Several astronomical and nautical instruments were entrusted, by the board of longitude, to Captain Cook, and Mr.King his second lieutenant; who had undertaken to make the necessary observations, during the voyage, for the improvement of astronomy and navigation.

It was originally intended that a professed observator should be sent out in the Resolution; but the scientific abilities of the captain and his lieutenant rendered the appointment of such a person absolutely unnecessary.

The case was somewhat different with regard to the Discovery.

Mr.William Bayley, who had already given satisfactory proofs of his skill and diligence as an observator, while he was employed in Captain Furneaux's ship, during the late voyage was engaged a second time in that capacity, and appointed to sail on board Captain Clerke's vessel.

The department of natural history was assigned to Mr.Anderson, the surgeon of the Resolution, who was as willing, as he was well qualified, to describe every thing in that branch of science which should occur worthy of notice.