The greater part of the people were observed to have lost one or both of their little fingers; and this was not peculiar to rank, age, or sex; nor was the amputation restricted to any specific period of life.

Our navigators endeavoured in vain to discover the reason of so extraordinary a practice.
A very extensive knowledge of the language of Middleburg and Amsterdam could not be obtained during the short stay which was made there by the English.

However, the more they inquired into it, the more they found that it was, in general, the same with that which is spoken at Otaheite and the Society isles.

The difference is not greater than what frequently occurs betwixt the most northern and western parts of England.
On the 7th of October, Captain Cook proceeded on his voyage.

His intention was to sail directly to Queen Charlotte's Sound, in New Zealand, for the purpose of taking in wood and water, after which he was to pursue his discoveries to the south and the east.