He had early sent the pinnace, with one of the mates, to sound between the island and the reefs, and to examine what appeared to be a channel through them.

The mate, in consequence of its blowing hard, did not dare to venture into the channel, which he reported to be very narrow.

Nevertheless, our commander, who judged, from the description of the place, that it had been seen to disadvantage, was not discouraged by this account.
While the lieutenant was engaged in his survey, Mr.Banks, always attentive to the great object of natural history, collected some plants which he had never met with before.

No animals were perceived upon the place, excepting lizards, for which reason the gentlemen gave it the name of Lizard Island.

In their return to the ship, they landed on a low sandy island that had trees upon it, and which abounded with an incredible number of birds, principally sea-fowl.