By this expedition Mr.Cook obtained an acquaintance with the several districts of Otaheite, the chiefs who presided over them, and a variety of curious circumstances respecting the manners and customs of the inhabitants.

On the 1st of July, he got back to the fort at Matavai, having found the circuit of the island, including the two peninsulas of which it consisted, to be about thirty leagues.
The circumnavigation of Otaheite was followed by an expedition of Mr.
Banks's to trace the river up the valley from which it issues, and examine how far its banks were inhabited.

During this excursion he discerned many traces of subterraneous fire.

The stones, like those of Madeira, displayed evident tokens of having been burnt; and the very clay upon the hills had the same appearance.
Another valuable employment of Mr.Banks was the planting of a great quantity of the seeds of watermelons, oranges, lemons, limes, and other plants and trees, which he had collected at Rio de Janeiro.

For these he prepared ground on each side of the fort, and selected as many varieties of soil as could be found.