From this place he directed his course, on the 31st, for the Island of Fernando de Noronha, at which he arrived on the 9th of June.
In the progress of the voyage, our commander made an experiment upon the still for procuring fresh water; and the result of the trial was, that the invention is useful upon the whole, but that to trust entirely to it would by no means be advisable.

Indeed, provided there is not a scarcity of fuel, and the coppers are good, as much water may be obtained as will support life; but no efforts will be able to procure a quantity sufficient for the preservation of health, especially in hot climates.

Captain Cook was convinced by experience, that nothing contributes more to the health of seamen, than having plenty of water.
On the 14th of July, the captain came to anchor in the Bay of Fayal, one of the Azores islands.

His sole design in stopping here was to give Mr.Wales an opportunity of finding the rate of the watch, that hereby he might be enabled to fix the longitude of these island with the greater degree of certainty.

No sooner, therefore, had our commander anchored, than he sent an officer to wait on the English consul, and to acquaint the governor with the arrival of our navigators, requesting his permission for Mr.Wales to make observations on shore, for the purpose now mentioned.