Owing to its great beauty, it was named _Virgen Maria_; it is the modern Gaua, in the Banks' group.
Four canoes with unarmed natives came to the Almiranta, and made signs to offer to take him into port.

Seeing that the Spaniards did not wish it, they made presents of cocoanuts and other fruits.

Having received a good return, they went back to their island.

As the disposition of the natives seemed to be good, the captain sent a party in the launch and one boat, to examine the coast and find a port.

The party was under the command of Pedro Lopez de Soto.