As he was in the prime of life, it was possible that a false sense of dignity might engage him to assume so solemn a stupidity of appearance.

In the history of mankind, instances might probably be found which would confirm this supposition.
It is observable, that the two islands of Middleburg and Amsterdam are guarded from the sea by a reef of coral rocks, which extend out from the shore about one hundred fathoms.

On this reef the force of the sea is spent before it reaches the land.

The same, indeed, is, to a great measure, the situation of all the tropical isles which our commander had seen in that part of the globe; and hence arises an evidence of the wisdom and goodness of Providence; as by such a provision, nature has effectually secured them from the encroachments of the sea, though many of them are mere points, when compared with the vast ocean by which they are surrounded.
In Amsterdam, Mr.Forster not only found the same plants that are at Otaheite and the neighbouring islands, but several others, which are not to be met with in those places.

Captain Cook took care, by a proper assortment of garden-seeds and pulse, to increase the vegetable stock of the inhabitants.
Hogs and fowls were the only domestic animals that were seen in these islands.