In the course of the voyage, he passed a number of low islots, connected together by reefs of coral rocks.

One of the islands, on which Lieutenant Cooper went on shore, with two boats well armed, was called by the natives Tiookea.

It had been discovered and visited by Captain Byron.

The inhabitants of Tiookea are of a much darker colour than those of the higher islands, and appeared to be more fierce in their dispositions.

This may be owing to their manner of gaining their subsistence, which is chiefly from the sea, and to their being much exposed to the sun and the weather.