They have not so much as a name for a dog, and consequently have
none, for which reason we left them a dog and a bitch; and there is no
doubt they will be taken care of, as they were very fond of them.[5]
After we had got to sea, we tried what effect one of the poisoned arrows
would have on a dog. Indeed we had tried it in the harbour the very first
night, but we thought the operation was too slight, as it had no effect.
The surgeon now made a deep incision in the dog's thigh, into which he laid
a large portion of the poison, just as it was scraped from the arrows, and
then bound up the wound with a bandage. For several days after we thought
the dog was not so well as it had been before, but whether this was really
so, or only suggested by imagination, I know not. He was afterwards as if
nothing had been done to him, and lived to be brought home to England.
However, I have no doubt of this stuff being of a poisonous quality, as it
could answer no other purpose. The people seemed not unacquainted with the
nature of poison, for when they brought us water on shore, they first
tasted it, and then gave us to understand we might with safety drink it.
This harbour, which is situated on the N.E. side of Mallicollo, not far
from the S.E. end, in latitude 16 deg. 25' 20" S., longitude 167 deg. 57' 23" E., I
named Port Sandwich. It lies in S.W. by S. about one league, and is one-
third of a league broad. A reef of rocks extends out a little way from each
point, but the channel is of a good breadth, and hath in it from forty to
twenty-four fathoms water. In the port, the depth of water is from twenty
to four fathoms; and it is so sheltered that no winds can disturb a ship at
anchor there. Another great advantage is, you can lie so near the shore, as
to cover your people, who may be at work upon it.
[1] Some large single rocks of coral, we are told by Mr G.F., near
fifteen feet above the surface of the water, narrow at the base, and
spreading out at the top, were observed, on standing along the reef of
this island. That gentleman, however, does not venture to assign any
cause for so curious a fact - E.
[2] "On approaching the Isle of Aurora, we observed a fine beach, and
the most luxuriant vegetation that can be conceived. The whole country
was woody; numberless climbers ran up the highest trees, and, forming
garlands and festoons between them, embellished the scene. A neat
plantation fenced with reeds, stood on the slope of the bill; and a
beautiful cascade poured down through the adjacent forest." - G.F.
