ary voyage, in 1707. The natives of these islands, all of which are situated in a lagoon formed by a reef of coral, soon evinced an insatiable desire to appropriate to themselves the property of others, and three or four of them appear to have been wounded by the Blossom’s people, in various scuffles.
“It is to be regretted,” says her commander, “that their disposition obstructed the friendly intercourse we were anxious to establish. The task of correcting their evil propensities unfortunately devolved upon us, as the first visitors to the islands; and we could not prolong our stay, or devote the time that was necessary while we did remain, to conciliate their friendship. But though unsuccessful in this respect, it is to be hoped that our visit will prove beneficial to others, by directing them to a port in which ships may be refitted or repaired, and where they may procure a: supply of good water, than which nothing is more important to the navigation of these seas; as that indispensable article is not found to exist in a pure state any where between Otaheite and the coast of Chili, a distance of 4000 miles, Pitcairn Island excepted, where the difficulty of getting it off has already been mentioned. It is also presumed, that the position of the islands having been ascertained, the peaks of Mount Duff, which are high, and distinguishable at a great distance, will serve as a guide to the labyrinth of coral islands which the navigator, after passing this group, has to thread on his way to the westward.”
The east peak of Mount Duff is situated in lat. 23° 7' 58" S., and long. 134° 55' 31" W.; the variation 7° 15' E.
Commander Beechey next proceeded to Lord Hood’s island, and from thence to Clermont Tonnere, off which he had a narrow escape from a waterspout of more than ordinary size.
