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Rh such apparent cordiality by the Maoris that no suspicions of treacherous conduct were aroused. They were thus quite unprepared for the sudden attack which was made upon them, and which resulted, as is well known, in the massacre of Marion and nearly thirty of his crew. A graphic account of this unfortunate incident is given in the journal of Crozet, upon whom the command devolved after Marion's death. The same journal contains an excellent sketch of the natural productions of the country, in which many references are made to the vegetation; but, as in De Surville's expedition, no collections were made.

In 1824 the surveying corvette "Coquille," under the command of Captain Duperrey, arrived at the Bay of Islands, and remained for nearly a fortnight. Two naturalists were on board. Lieutenant D'Urville (afterwards Admiral D'Urville), an ardent botanical collector, and M. Lesson, both of whom made collections of some extent. In the beginning of 1827 D'Urville revisited New Zealand in command of the same vessel, renamed the "Astrolabe." He was again accompanied by Lesson, and also by Quoy and Gaimard as zoologists. First sighting the coast of the South Island near Greymouth, he proceeded northwards, and, rounding Cape Farewell, entered Cook Strait. A secure anchorage was found on the west side of Tasman Bay, between the mouth of the Motueka River and Separation Point, in which he remained for a week, forming important collections. He then crossed to the east side of Tasman Bay, and discovered the strait separating D'Urville Island from the mainland, known to this day as "the French Pass." Several days were occupied in surveying this passage, during which time both the botanical and zoological collections were added to. D'Urville then sailed through Cook Strait, and followed the east coast of the North Island to Tolaga Bay, where a brief stay was made. Continuing his voyage, he rounded the East Cape, crossed the Bay of Plenty, and, passing to the north of the Great Barrier Island, arrived at Whangarei Heads, where he remained for two or three days. Turning southwards, he passed Cape Rodney and Tiritiri Island, and anchored at the entrance to Auckland Harbour, of which little was known at that time. He landed on both the northern and southern banks of the Waitemata, and, having sent a boat up the Tamaki River as far as the present township of Otahuhu, some of his men were guided by the Maoris across the narrow isthmus to the head of the Manukau Harbour. D'Urville left Auckland Harbour by the Waiheke Channel, passed between the Great and Little Barrier Islands, and after a cruise to the North Cape returned to the Bay of Islands. On the 18th March he finally left New Zealand, having spent a little more than two months on its shores.

After the "Astrolabe" had returned to Europe the scientific results of the voyage were published in elaborate style under the auspices of the French Government. The botanical portion was undertaken by A. Richard, one of the leading botanists of his time,