T T r n
J .
ft ft
I l ì h '
■ : ft'
Islands Short runs were essential, because of the chronometers,
and this last h a d b e e n a long one for them, with much motion,
therefore it was necessary I should get observations.
“ Towai-ds noon the weather cleared and became very fine,
with a light breeze from the northward. We stood across near
the north end of the Hermite Islands, carrying soundings right
across • but the view we obtained of the head of Nassau Bay,
did nft encourage us to hope for either interior waters or a
passage, as the mountains seemed to continue in an unbroken
chain to the eastward of New Island, and from the mast-head
I saw other high mountains far to the eastward. In the afternoon
we stood into a fine-looking clear bay, well sheltered, and
with regular soundings, from twelve to twenty fathoms over fine
sand I afterwards found that this was Orange Bay, and that
the hay at the south point of which we anchored last night was
that called, by the Dutch, Schapenham Bay. Being a large,
roomy place, with even bottom, we remained at single anchor ;
but the glass had been falling so much, and was then so
extremely low, that I thought it prudent to prepare for the
worst, and struck topmasts.
“ During the latter part of our stay in Christmas Sound,
and up to the present time, our sick-list had heen considerable,
therefore I was not sorry to gain a safe anchorage in a place
which appeared likely to afford the means of recruiting our
invalids, and restoring them to health. Colds and rheumatisms,
owing to bleak winds and much wet, were the chief complaints.
This was the only time since the Beagle left Rio de Janeiro
that her sick-list had been worthy of notice.
“ Notwithstanding the unusual fall of the barometer and sympiesometer
and their still continuing to sink, this day y s as
L e , and seemed as likely to continue so, as any day I had ever
seen, therefore we took advantage of it, by getting the necessary
observations for time, latitude, and true bearing; by airing
bedding, and cleaning the ship throughout. This appeared to
be an excellent place for vessels: the land around is rather
low, and looked much more cheerful than the high dismal
mountains under which we last anchored. Wood and water
I
were plentiful, and easily obtained. Wild-fowl were numerous,
and our people brought on board a serviceable supply, enough
for all the sick, and for most of those who were in health.
“ 3d and 4th. Still very fine weather, although the barometer
and sympiesometer were lower than I had yet seen
them in this country. Our Fuegians were becoming very
cheerful, and apparently contented. We gave them as much
fresh provision (birds and fish) as we could obtain with guns
and lines, and hitherto they had fared very well. All that
was shot went to one stock, from which it was divided in
rotation to the messes, the sick being first provided for, and
then the F uegians.
“ .5th and 6th. Two more fine days, with a very low glass,
shook my faith in the certainty of the barometer and sympiesometer.*
During those days, the wind had been light
from N.N.W.,, and twice before I had known these instruments
to be similarly affected during exactly similar wind and weather
: once at Port Desire, on the coast of Patagonia ; and
once at Port Gallant, while I was in the Otway Water.
“ The master went towards the head of Nassau Bay, and Mr.
Stokes set out in the opposite direction. Mr. Murray had one
of our best chronometers, kept in a box, well packed in wool,
but exposed to the temperature of the air. Before going away
and after returning, it was kept and rated in the same box on
deck, because the variations of temperature in the open air of
this climate are small ; much less than a chronometer would
experience if alternating between a warm cabin and a cold
boat. I was sadly grieved at finding that some Fuegians who
arrived were not of the same tribe as our captives, nor even
spoke the same language. On the contrary, much enmity
appeared to exist between them ; though their colour, features,
and habits were similar. At first, ‘ York’ and ‘ Boat’
would not go near them ; but afterwards took delight in
trying to cheat them out of the things they offered to barter
; and mocked their way of speaking and laughing ; point-
T h e mercury in the barometer fell to 28,94, and the oil in the sympiesometer
to 28,52 ; the thermometer ranging from 40° to 48° (F ah t.)