Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.2): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

288 PAZ AND LIEBRE IIAHRIS. AugUSt between two ranges of the Cordillera ; others said it was in the plains ; but all appeared to think there was no doubt of the existence of such a settlement. In Villarino's Diary of his Exploration of Anegada Bay, I find that he was much assisted by horses and mules, which he carried on board his vessels, and landed as often as he had occasion to make a journey by land. At the river Negro I heard that some of these animals became so tame, and accus- tomed to landing and embarkation, that they would leap quietly into or out of the boats, when required.* On the 19th of August, we anchored near the bar of the Nesro, to meet the Paz and Liebre, take our officers and men on board, and pay Mr. Harris the money to which he was entitled, not only by contract, but by the uniform attention, activity, and thorough kindness, which he and his partner had shown to their temporary companions ; by their know- ledge as pilots, and by the useful information which they had readily given, to the full extent of their abilities. The complete success of that enterprize was greatly owing to the conduct of those two worthy men. Before dark all was settled, our party was safely on board ; we quitted Harris and Roberts, with their useful little craft, mutually satisfied ; and made sail for Blanco Bay, where there was still work to be done ; intending to add to our already numerous soundings, while following the seaward edges of the banks. On the 24th, we moored off the Wells, in Port Belgrano. Next day. Lieutenant Sulivan went with a party to explore the furthest extreme of the inlet, while others were occupied, as usual, in the various duties always necessary on board a ship, in addition to those of a survey. Mr. Darwin was at Argentina, and hearing of our arrival, rode to the Wells. He had met General Rosas on the Colo- rado, who treated him very kindly ; and he was enjoying his shore-roving without any annoyance, the old major being no longer afraid of a ' naturalista.' * Viedma and other Spaniards were similarly assisted in their expe- ditions.