The Three Voyages of Captain Cook Round the World. Vol. V. Being the First of the Third VoyageCook, James
History
The Three Voyages of Captain Cook Round the World. Vol. V. Being the First of the Third Voyage
Cook, James
Cook, James, 1728-1779 -- Travel; Explorers -- Great Britain -- Biography; Voyages around the world -- History -- 18th century
While Mr. Bailey and I were making the observations, Mr. Gore
encompassed the hill; and joined us by a different route, at the place
where I had ordered the boat to wait for us. Except the craggy
precipices, we met with nothing to obstruct our walk. For the country
was, if possible, more barren and desolate than about Christmas Harbour.
And yet, if there be the least fertility in any part of this land, we
ought to have found it in this, which is completely sheltered from the
predominating bleak southerly and westerly winds. I observed, with
regret, that there was neither food nor covering for cattle of any sort;
and that, if I left any, they must inevitably perish. In the little cove
where the boat waited for us (which I called Penguin Cove, as the beach
was covered with these birds,) is a fine rivulet of fresh water, that
may be easily come at. Here were also some large seals, shags, and a few
ducks; and Mr. Baily had a transient sight of a very small land bird;
but it flew amongst the rocks, and we lost it. About nine o’clock we got
on board.
Soon after, Mr. Bligh returned, and reported that he had been four miles
up the harbour, and, as he judged, not far from the head of it. He found
that its direction was W. S. W.; and that its breadth, a little above
the ships, did not exceed a mile; but grew narrower towards the head.
The soundings were very irregular, being from thirty-seven to ten
fathoms; and, except under the beds of sea-weed, which in many places
extended from the shore near half channel over, the bottom was a fine
sand. He landed on both shores, which he found barren and rocky, without
the least signs of tree or shrub, and with very little verdure of any
kind. Penguins, and other oceanic birds and seals, occupied part of the
coast; but not in such numbers as at Christmas Harbour.
Finding no encouragement to continue our researches, and the next
morning both wind and weather being favourable, I weighed anchor and put
to sea. To this harbour I gave the name of Port Palliser, in honour of
my worthy friend Admiral Sir Hugh Palliser. It is situated in the
latitude of 49° 3ʹ S. in the longitude of 69° 37ʹ E., and five leagues
from Howe’s Foreland, in the direction of S. 25° E. There are several
islands, rocks, and breakers lying in and without the entrance, for
which the annexed chart of the coast, and sketch of the harbour, may be
consulted. We went in and out between them and the north head; but I
have no doubt that there are other channels.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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