> a CHAPTER III.
Prepare the Beagle, and our decked boat (the Hope) for surveying the
Strait—Beagle sails westward, and the Hope towards the south-east—
Sarmieuto’s voyage—and description of the colony formed by him at
P o rt Famine—Steamer-duck—Large trees—Parroquets—Mount Ta rn
—Barometrical observations — G eological character — Report of the
Hope’s cruize.
I n almost every account published of the Strait of Magalhaens,
so much notice has been taken of Port Famine, that I
had long considered it a suitable place for our purposes ; and
upon examination I found it offered so many advantages, that
I did not hesitate to make it our head-quarters. As soon, therefore,
as the ship was moored, tents were pitched, our decked-
boat was hoisted out and hauled on shore, to be coppered
and equipped for the survey ;— and Captain Stokes received
orders to prepare the Beagle for examining the western part
of the Strait; previous to which she required to be partially
refitted, and supplied with fuel and water.
For several days after our arrival, we had much rain and
strong south-westerly wind, with thick clouds, wliich concealed
the high land to the southward ; allowing ns only now
and then a partial glimpse. One evening (Hth) the air was
unusually clear, and many of the mountains in that direction
were distinctly defined. We had assembled to take leave of our
friends in the Beagle, and were watching the gradual appearance
of snow-capped mountains which had previously been concealed,
when, bursting upon our view, as if by magic, a
lofty mountain appeared towering among them ; whose snowy
mantle, strongly contrasted with the dark and threatening
aspect of the sky, much enhanced the grandeur of the scene.
This mountain was the “ Snowy Volcano” (Volcan Nevada)
of Sarmiento, with whose striking appearance that celebrated
narigator seems to have been particularly impressed, so minute
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