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

April 18B0. pas^sagk oi" the narrow. 357 noticed any current, we observed a strong ripjjling in the Narrow, and immediately sent the boats a-head to tow us towards mid-channel. We proceeded rather quickly imtil we arrived at 2, when our progress was checked, and we were carried rapidly back, as far as 3. In the Narrow the tide wa^ evidently against us ; but in crossing to the N.W. at 4, we were forced by the counter-current against all the efforts of the boats — were carried close to the large island — and for the space of thirty yards, were brushing the overhanging trees with our main-boom. This part was, most fortunately, quite steep ; for had the vessel touched in her swift course, she must have been swung with violence against the rocks, and much damaged, per- haps irreparably. " No sooner had we passed the end of this island, than we were shot into mid-channel to 5, and then as suddenly and swiftly carried back by the stream of the tide. The boats could never keep hold of the vessel while in these whirlpools ; and it was several times fortunate that they had cast off' the tow-rope in time, for thrice we were twisted round, as if on a pivot, by those violent eddies. " A favourable moment was seized, the boats were again sent a-head ; and, by great exertions, we were towed out of the influence of the tide, and then waited for the time of slack water. " At three o^'clock Mr. Kirke was sent to Guard Point, to ascertain the time of high water ; and at half-past four, in con- sequence of his signal, we towed in with both boats, and passed the islands with a favouring tide ; but one quarter of a mile farther, we met ripplings, which we had no sooner entered than a reverse of tide was found, as if the waters from the sounds were gradually forcing back the tide of the channel. We still, however, made progress to the S.W. ; but it was not before eight o"'clock that we anchored in the west entrance of this Narrow, pleased, indeed, to be again secure, and to have escaped unharmed. " 24th. Thick, hazy weather in the morning ; but at eight o'clock it cleared a little, so wc weighed, and soon reached the