The Three Voyages of Captain Cook Round the World. Vol. V. Being the First of the Third Voyage

A maritime narrative recounts the early stages of a Pacific expedition, recording preparations in England and departures to Atlantic and southern ports. It follows passages to Tenerife and the Cape of Good Hope, then surveys subantarctic islands and Kerguelen's Land, including a detailed description of Christmas Harbour. Subsequent voyages along coastlines reach Van Diemen's Land and New Zealand, where encounters with indigenous peoples are described in terms of appearance, dress, and behavior. Naturalists' observations on flora, fauna, soil, and climate accompany astronomical and nautical measurements used to fix longitudes and chart hazards such as shoals and promontories. The text interleaves practical sailing accounts, scientific notes, and place descriptions to support navigation and natural history.