Mr.
Banks, in his morning's walk, had met with a number of natives, who appeared, upon inquiry, to be travelling musicians; and, having, learned where they were to be at night, all the gentlemen of the Endeavour repaired to the place.

The band consisted of two flutes and three drums; and the drummers accompanied the music with their voices.
To the surprise of the English gentlemen, they found that themselves were generally the subject of the song, which was unpremeditated.
These minstrels were continually going about from place to place; and they were rewarded, by the master of the house and the audience, with such things as they wanted.
The repeated thefts which were committed by the inhabitants of Otaheite brought our voyagers into frequent difficulties, and it required all the wisdom of Lieutenant Cook to conduct himself in a proper manner.

His sentiments on the subject displayed the liberality of his mind.

He thought it of consequence to put an end, if possible to thievish practices at once, by doing something that should engage the natives in general to prevent them, from a regard to their common interest.

Strict orders had been given by him, that they should not be fired upon, even when they were detected in attempting to steal any of the English property.