In the night between the 22nd and 23rd, he crossed the line, in the longitude of 203 deg.

15' east; and on the 24th land was discovered, which was found to be one of those low uninhabited islands, that are so frequent in this ocean.
Here our voyagers were successful in catching a large quantity of turtle, which supplied them with an agreeable refreshment; and here, on the 28th, an eclipse of the sun was observed by Mr.Bayley, Mr.
King, and Captain Cook.

On account of the season of the year, the captain called the land where he now was, and which he judged to be about fifteen or twenty leagues in circumference, Christmas Island.

By his order, several cocoa-nuts and yams were planted, and some melon seeds sown in proper places; and a bottle was left, containing this inscription: _Georgius Tertius, Rex.

31 Decembris, 1777.
{ Resolution, Jac.