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

CHABACTEK OF PATAGONIANS. 103 straight, and sometimes aquiline : the mouth is wide, with prominent hps, and the chin is rather large ; the jaws are broad, and give the face a square appearance ; the neck is short and thick ; the shoulders are broad ; the chest is broad, and very full ; but the arm, particularly the fore-arm, is small, as are also the foot and leg ; the body long, large and fat, but not corpulent. Such was the appearance of those who came under my observation. As to their character, the Patagonians are friendly, without that disposition to quarrel, after the novelty of first acquaintance has worn off, which is so common among savages in general. This probably arises from interested motives, certainly not from fear, unless it be the fear of being avoided instead of visited by the ships which pass by, and from which they procure many useful articles, and many temporary gratifications. Swords, long knives, tobacco, Paraguay tea, bits, saddles, guns, lead for balls, red cloth, beads (particularly of a sky- blue colour), flour, sugar, and spirits, are much desired in exchange for their peltry and guanaco meat ; but they have no idea beyond that of satisfying the wants of the moment. After a few pounds of tobacco had been distributed amongst them, although they are very fond of smoking, it became quite a drug, and it was necessary to produce something new to excite their attention. From Maria''s influence, and the reference so constantly made to her, it wovdd seem that she was con- sidered as cacique of the tribe ; but her apparent superiority may arise from her connexion with Bysante, of whom they all spoke as ' El Cacique Grande,'' or from the attention paid to her by ships with whom they communicate. The people of this tribe seemed to live together harmoniously no bickerings or jealous feelings were observed, and certainly none were expressed by any one of our bulky friends on witnessing another receiving a valuable present, or a good exchange for his property. At sunset our people were ordered to embark, upon which the price of Patagonian goods immediately fell, at least, a thousand per cent., though many held back in expectation of