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

.584 DISPUTES UATS GAME. Dcc. during some minutes, previous to commencing any conversation. Engrossed by the fine, the grand heads of some of the old warriors, whose amply tattowed features had withstood the ravages of time more successfully than their once dark hair, and by the graceful figures of the younger women, I was sorry when the ceremonial silence was ended. By turns the principal men discussed with Mr. Baker (whose speaking appeared to be to the purpose, as well as fluent), the business for which they had assembled. I could understand few words used, but the gestures of the natives were sufficiently expressive to give a general idea of their meaning. Mr. Baker's interpretation to me afterwards was to this effect : — " A neighbouring tribe has encroached upon the district which this tribe claim as hereditary property. These men prove their right to it by bringing forward several of their elders, who have at various times killed and eaten ' rats' upon it." In other days, the war-club and the patoo-patoo — a sangui- nary contest to determine whose should be the land and whose bodies should fill the ovens — would have been the unfailinar mode of decision. " What would Mr. Baker recommend them to do, now that they had become Christians .?"" was their ques- tion. He recommended arbitration, each party to choose a ' wise man ; " and if the two wise men disagreed, they should refer the question to the deliberati9n of the missionaries, at their next general meeting. He also promised to visit the other tribe, enquire into the case, and exert himself for the sake of both parties, who were equally his friends, and whose interest, as well as duty, it was to remain at peace. By temporising, talking to each party, and inducing one to meet the other half way, Mr. Baker had no doubt of amicably arranging the affkir.* Is it not extremely gratifying to find the missionaries thus appealed to, and acting as mediators and peacemakers ? The singular reason for laying claim to this land, appears less extraordinary when explained. Formerly there were no wild * Before the Beagle sailed it was settled.