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

1835. STEI'HEXS BAY TUUTLE SHELLS. 489 clouds) down a large valley.* All this southern side of the island is well wooded ; and on the higher ground the wood is very green. Continuing our course along shore, we arrived at our former anchorage in Stephens Bay soon after dark, when Mr. Chaffers returned on board, having reached the anchorage in the morn- ing. 22d. So generally cloudy is the weather here, that a day such as this proved to be, of hot, vertical sunshine, was much felt by every body ; and to show how objectionable our an- chorage was in this respect, I may mention that a fresh breeze was blowing all day in the offing ; yet in the bay only light variable airs were felt. Some fine turtle were brought on board, the first we had seen here ; they are rather like the green turtle of the West- Indies, but not exactly. Among the shells found about the islands one is common, which reminded me of the purple murex, as the fish emits a strongly dyeing liquid of a similar colour.-}" A kind of mangrove grows near the water, on the sandy beaches of this island ; and the shape and colour of that curious tree are some relief to an eye tired of looking at rugged lava or withered bushes. 23d. While becalmed we tried the clamms I in fifty fathoms water, and brought up as much sand as would fill a bucket, but nothing curious. Afterwards we had a breeze, and passed Barrington Island pretty closely. It is not high, yet the shores are bold and fronted by cliffs ; the more elevated parts appear to be level, and rather woody. This night was spent under sail between Charles and Hood Islands. 24th. While we were endeavouring to reach the anchorage in Post -Office Bay (Charles Island), Mr. Chaffers and Mr.Mel- lersh went away in a boat to visit the islets that lie near the eastern side of that island : and it was found that they had all * There is no other place in the Galapagos where ships can water at all times of the year. t Found also on the coast of Peru (UlJoa). X An indifferent contrivance of mine, made and put together by our own armourer.