It was very early that he began his judicious operations for preserving the health of his crew: for, on the 17th, the ship was smoked between the decks with gunpowder, and the spare sails were well aired.

On the 30th, the moon being totally eclipsed, the captain observed it with a night telescope.

He had not, on this occasion, an opportunity of making many observations.

The reason was, that the moon was hidden behind the clouds the greater part of the time; and this was particularly the case, when the beginning and the end of total darkness, and the end of the eclipse, happened.
It being found, that there was not hay and corn sufficient for the subsistence of the stock of animals on board, till the arrival of our people at the Cape of Good Hope, Captain Cook determined to touch at Teneriffe.

This island he thought better adapted to the purposes of procuring these articles, and other refreshments, than Madeira.