To what an extent the practice of human sacrifices was carried in the ancient world, is not unknown to the learned.

Scarcely any nation was free from it in a certain state of society; and, as religious reformation is one of the last efforts of the human mind, the practice may be continued, even when the manners are otherwise far removed from savage life.

It may have been a long time before civilization has made such a progress as to deprive superstition of its cruelty, and to divert it from barbarous rites to ceremonies which, though foolish enough, are comparatively mild, gentle and innocent.
On the 5th of September, an accident happened, which, though slight in itself, was of some consequence from the situation of things.

A young ram of the Cape breed, which had been lambed and brought up with great care on board the ship, as killed by a dog.

Desirous as Captain Cook was of propagating so useful a race among the Society Islands, the loss of a ram was a serious misfortune.