It was not possible to support the trade, in the manner in which it was now begun, even for a single day.

When, therefore, our commander found that he was not likely to be supplied, on any conditions, with sufficient refreshments, and that the island was neither very convenient for taking in wood and water, nor for affording the necessary repairs of the ship, he determined to proceed immediately to some other place, where the wants of his people could be effectually relieved.

After having been nineteen weeks at sea, and having lived all that time upon salt diet, a change in their food could not avoid being peculiarly desirable: and yet, on their arrival at St.Christina, it could scarcely be asserted that a single man was sick; and there were but a few who had the least complaint of any kind.

'This,' says Captain Cook, 'was undoubtedly owing to the many antiscorbutic articles we had on board, and to the great attention of the surgeon, who was remarkably careful to apply them in time.' It may justly be added, that this was likewise owing to the singular care of the captain himself, and to the exertions of his authority, in enforcing the excellent regulations which his wisdom and humanity had adopted.
The chief reason for our commander's touching at the Marquesas Islands, was to fix their situation; that being the only circumstance in which the nautical account of them, given in Mr.Dalrymple's collection, is deficient.

It was farther desirable to settle this point, as it would lead to a more accurate knowledge of Mendana's other discoveries.