Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.1): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

Feb. 1827. MAGDALEX CHANNEL. 61 very convenient for a small vessel : to us, indeed, it was a most welcome discovery. The land rises, around this cove, to the height of two or three tliousand feet. It is covered with Beech, and Winter"'s-bark, and near the water is adorned with larffe groves of Fuchsia, Berberis, and the common shrubs of Port Famine, growing so thickly as to form an almost impenetrable jungle; but, notwithstanding the picturesque character of its scenery, the towering height of the hills, which exclude the sun's rays for the whole day, during the greater portion of the year, renders it a gloomy and melancholy spot.* We found a family of Fuegians in the inner harbour. Three canoes were hauled up on the beach, but their owners were not at first visible. At last, after our repeatedly calling out ' Ho-say, ho-say,'' they appeared, and, rather reluctantly, invited us, by signs, to land. There seemed to be fourteen or fifteen people, and seven or eight dogs. Mr. Wickham and Mr. Tarn went on shore to these natives, who exhibited some timidity, until a hideous old woman began to chatter, and soon made them understand that the young men (La-a-pas) were absent on a hunting excursion, but were every moment ex- pected to return. There were only three men with the women and children. To inspire them with confidence in our good intentions, Mr. Wickham gave each man a red cap, and some other trifles. One of them complained of being sick, but I rather imagine his illness was feigned, and the others did not at all seem to like our visit. By degrees their fears sub- sided, and, restraint being laid aside, an active trade began ; in which several otter skins, shell-necklaces, spears, and other trifles, were obtained from them in exchange for beads, buttons, medals, &c. The otters are caught by the help of dogs, on which account, principally, the latter are so valuable. These people were slightly clothed with skins of the seal and otter, but some had pieces of guanaco mantles over their shoulders, whence we svipposed that they Avere either of the isame tribe, or at peace, with the Indians of Admiralty Sound : * " sub rupe cavata Arboribus clausam circum atcjue horrentibus umbris."