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

May 1830. soil — lennox island — barter. 449 those already mentioned, but which it would be as tedious as unnecessary to relate.''" " Soon after the Master came alongside, Mr. Stokes also returned, having been a long way into the channel first dis- covered by Mr. Murray, and having examined all the shores about its eastern communication with the sea. He met many groups of Indians, but managed so as not to have any collision or trouble with them. " 18th. Digging in various places on Lennox Island, showed me that the soil is unlike that where the guanacoes were seen on Navarin island, which is fit for cultivation ; this being very moist, and too full of tussac and other roots, to be serviceable in any agricultural point of view. " 19th. Natives had come alongside at various times, during the last few days, to sell fish for old buttons and other trifles. It was amusing to witness York and Boat taking in these people, by their bargains. The same men who, two months back, would themselves have sold a number of fish for a bit of glass, were seen going about the decks collecting broken crockery- ware, or any trash, to exchange for the fish brought alongside by these ' Yapoos,' as they called them ; not one word of whose language did they appear to comprehend. Lieut. Kempe returned from an unsuccessful excursion to Navarin island in search of guanacoes. He saw many, but could not get within shot. The footmarks of a puma were noticed by him in several places. " 23d. After obtaining a few sights of the sun, for the chronometer rates, we sailed from Lennox harbour, a very secure place for small vessels ; but, as it is rather shallow, ships drawing more than fourteen feet of water should anchor outside the entrance, where they would be safe, and in smooth water, excepting when a south-east gale blows, with which wind they would not, in all probability, wish to remain at anchor. The soundings are regular in the ofiing, and there is anchoring ground every where in the vicinity. Wood and water may be obtained, in any quantity : wild fowl and fish ai'e also to be had, but not in abundance. The easiest way VOL. I. 2 G