Accordingly, such a harbour was speedily discovered, in which the ships came to an anchor on the 25th, being Christmas-day.

Upon landing, our commander found the shore almost entirely covered with penguins and other birds, and with seals.
The latter, which were not numerous, having been unaccustomed to visitors, were so insensible of fear, that as many as were wanted for the purpose of making use of their fat or blubber, were killed without difficulty.

Fresh water was so plentiful, that every gully afforded a large stream; but not a single tree or shrub, or the least sign of it, could be met with, and but very little herbage of any sort.

Before Captain Cook returned to his ship, he ascended the first ridge of rocks, that rise in a kind of amphitheatre, above one another, in hopes of obtaining a view of the country; in which, however, he was disappointed: for, previously to his reaching the top, there came on so thick a fog, that he could scarcely find his way down again.

In the evening, the seine was hauled at the head of the harbour, but only half a dozen small fish were caught.