Our commander, hath, in general, observed with regard to this part of the ocean, that, from the latitude of twenty down to fourteen or twelve, and from the meridian of a hundred and thirty-eight to a hundred and forty-eight or a hundred and fifty west, it is so strewed with low isles, that a navigator cannot proceed with too much caution.
On the 22nd of April, Captain Cook reached the Island of Otaheite, and anchored in Matavia Bay.

As his chief reason for putting in at this place was to give Mr.Wales an opportunity of ascertaining the error Of the watch by the known longitude, and to determine anew her rate of going, the first object was to land the instruments, and to erect tents for the reception of a guard, and such other people, as it was necessary to have on shore.

Sick there were none; for the refreshments which had been obtained at the Marquesas had removed every complaint of that kind.
From the quantity of provisions, which, contrary to expectation, our commander now found at Otaheite, he determined to make a longer stay in the island than he had at first intended.

Accordingly, he took measures for the repairs of the ship, which the high southern latitudes had rendered indispensably necessary.
During Captain Cook's stay at Otaheite, he maintained a most friendly connexion with the inhabitants; and a continual interchange of visits was preserved between him and Otoo, Towha, and other chiefs of the country.

His traffic with them was greatly facilitated by his having fortunately brought with him some red parrot feathers from the island of Amsterdam.