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

June 182S. short stay at port otway. IS'l incessant and heavy rain, accompanied by strong gales, the health of the ship's company had been seriously affected, par- ticularly with pulmonic complaints, catarrhal, and rheumatic affections ; and that, as a recurrence of them would probably prove fatal in many instances, a temporary cessation would be of the greatest advantage to the crew, by affording an oppor- tunity of recruiting their health.' " On receiving the above communication from the surgeon, I ordered the yai'ds and topmasts to be struck, and the ship covered over with sails. Precaution was used to prevent the people from being subjected to frequent exposure, by not employing any of them in boats, except once a day in procur- ing muscles, and every thing was avoided that could in the least interfere with the recovery of their health : but this place is exceedingly ill adapted for the winter quarters of a ship's company, as the woods that surround it, down even to the water's edge, allow no space for exercise on shore, and there is neither game nor fish to be procured, except shell-fish ; of which, fortunately (muscles and clams), we found an abun- dance, and they proved useful in removing symptoms of scurvy, besides affording a change of diet. The place being destitute of inhabitants, is without that source of recreation, which intercourse with any people, however uncivilized, would afford a ship's company alter a laborious and disagreeable cruise in these dreary solitudes. Every port along this coast is alike ill suited for a winter's residence, and it was only our peculiar situation that induced me to determine on making a short stay at this place." Here poor Captain Stokes's remarks and notes end. Those who have been exposed to one of such trials as his, upon an unknown lee shore, during the worst description of weather, will understand and appreciate some of those feelings which wrought too powerfully upon his excitable mind. The Beagle remaiiied quiet until the 29th of June, when the surgeon reported " the crew sufficiently healthy to perform their duties without any material injury to their constiiutions."