Upon a nearer approach, it was found to be an island of considerable height, and about three leagues in circuit.

Another island, of the same magnitude, was soon after discovered, and in a short space a third, besides some smaller ones.
At times, as the fog broke away, there was the appearance of land over the small islands, and Captain Cook entertained thoughts of steering for it, by running in between them.

But, on drawing nearer, he found that, so long as the weather continued foggy this would be a perilous attempt.

For if there should be no passage, or if our people should meet with any sudden danger, there was such a prodigious sea, breaking on all the shores in a frightful surf, that it would have been impossible for the vessels to be gotten off.

At the same time, the captain saw another island; and as he did not know how many more might succeed, he judged it prudent, in order to avoid getting entangled among unknown lands in a thick fog, to wait for clearer weather.
The island last mentioned is a high round rock, which was named Bligh's Cap.