Whether the land, usually called Cape Circumcision, exists or not, is a point of small importance to geography; as the most strenuous asserters of its existence must allow it to be a very inconsiderable island, and of no use. This, therefore, is not in itself a matter worthy of dispute; but in asserting this, _M. Le Monier_ has, and I am sorry to observe it, with some asperity too, particularly in his second Memoir, endeavoured to censure the judgment and conduct of Captain Cook, whose memory I have every reason to revere, as well as the judgment of those who were with him; and, on this account, I cannot help feeling myself called on to explain the motives which induced _Captain Cook_ to place no dependence on the arguments now adduced by _M. Le Monier_ in support of his supposition; and which, _M. Le Monier_ must know, were not unattended to at that time, from what the Captain has said, p. 236. Vol. II. of his account of the voyage. And it may be proper to observe here, that what fell from _Captain Cook_ on this subject, was to show that this circumstance was then attended to, and not to throw blame on _M. Bouvet_, for whose memory and abilities _Captain Cook_ entertained great respect: nor is it incompatible with the utmost respect, for a man to have a favourable opinion of his own labours; or to endeavour to show why he thinks the disagreement between them and those of another person, when there is one, does not arise from an error committed by himself. There could, therefore, be no occasion for _M. Le Monier_ to express himself as he has done in several parts of his second Memoir.