BANKS'S ISLAND, a small island in the South sea, discovered by Captain Cook in 1770, in S. Lat. 53. 32. W. Long. 186. 30. It is of a circular figure, and about 24 leagues in compass: it is sufficiently high to be seen at the distance of 12 or 15 leagues; and the land has a broken irregular surface, with the appearance of barrenness rather than fertility. It is, however, inhabited; as some straggling savages were observed upon it.