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I S U R V E Y IN G VOYAGES
OF TH E
A D V E N T U R E a n d t h e BEAGLE,
182'6—1830.
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C H A P T E R I.
Departure from Monte Video—P o r t Santa Elena—Geological remarks
—Cape Fairweather—Non-existence o f Chalk—Natural H istoiy
Approach to Cape Virgins, and the S trait of Magalhaens (or
Magellan).
W e sailed from Monte Video on the 19th of November
1826; and, in company with the Beagle, quitted the river
Plata.
According to my Instructions, the Survey was to commence
at Cape San Antonio, the southern limit of the entrance of
the Plata; but, for the following urgent reasons, I decided to
begin with the southern coasts of Patagonia, and Tierra del
Fuego, including the Straits of Magalhaens.* In the first
place, they presented a field of great interest and novelty ; and
secondly, the climate of the higher southern latitudes being so
severe and tempestuous, it appeared important to encounter its
rigours while the ships were in good condition—while the
crews were healthy—and while the charms of a new and dilB-
cult enterprize had full force.
* Commonly called Magellan. See p. 11.
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