THE BAY OF ISLANDS.
In the morning we beheld two vessels at anchor in the harbour. The
Indian, whaler, of London, and the East India Company's ship Research;
which latter ship had been cruising in search of the wreck of the vessels
under the command of La Perouse, and had completely elucidated the
circumstances relating to that event. The Bay of Islands is surrounded by
lofty and picturesque hills, and is secured from all winds. It is full of
lovely coves, and a safe anchorage is to be found nearly all over it;
added to this, a number of navigable rivers are for ever emptying
themselves into the Bay, which is spotted with innumerable romantic
islands all covered with perpetual verdure.
It is with peculiar interest that we look upon the spot where the
illustrious Cook cast anchor after his discovery of this Bay. Some
unhappy quarrels with the natives occasioned much blood to be shed on
both sides, and for a long time caused this island to be looked upon with
horror, and avoided by all Europeans. It was the courage and enterprise
of the crews of our South Sea Whalers who exhibited these interesting
islanders in their true character, and proved to the world that it was
quite as safe to anchor in the Bay of Islands as in the harbour of Port
Jackson.