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“ May 11th. We remained at the above-mentioned anchorage;
and while Lieutenant Skyring was examining a cluster of islands
in the vicinity, I obtained observations for the latitude and
longitude; and as it was the first fine day, indeed the only
one since entering this channel in which we had a fair proportion
of sunshine, it was taken advantage of to dry and air all
our clothes and bedding, and clean out the vessel thoroughly.
“ The next anchorage we took, was in a cove just large
enough to hold the schooner, at the entrance of Dyneley Sound,
on the north shore. In crossing over, we had a fine view of
Mount Sarmiento; and looking to seaward, from the hill over
this cove, the Tussac, and the Fury Rocks, at the entrance of
Melville Sound, which are much resorted to by sealers, were
clearly distinguishable.
“ During our stay here, until May 16th, the neighbouring
coast was examined, whenever the weather permitted. W e
also communicated with several canoes full of Indians, but
gained no additional information respecting the habits of the
natives.
“ The next start carried us through the islands of Melville
Sound, to an anchorage in a small cove, at the N.F. end of the
largest of the Magill Islands, upon which is Mount Skyring.
Having resolved to ascend to the top, as it offered so commanding
a view, and was so centrally situated, we remained
for that purpose.” The weather, for several days, was very unfavourable,
and it was not until the 21st, that there was any
reasonable prospect of obtaining a view from the summit; when
Lieutenant Skyring and Mr. Kirke had a most laborious excursion,
and the latter was nearly frost-bitten in ascending the
mountain; hut they were fully recompensed for the trouble
and difficulty they had experienced.
Lieutenant Skyring says :—
“ We gained the summit after three hour’s hard travelling.
During the last five hundred feet of ascent, the mountain was
almost precipitous, and we had the utmost difficulty in passing
the instruments from hand to hand. Its formation is remarkable,
although, I believe, the same structure exists throughout
the hills around. The base is a coarse granite, but this solid
I!!