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

128 APPENDIX. and breakers, from which they would tumble themselves into the sea, without regard to the cold, which is often intense, and showing no fear of the noise and roaring of the surf." " The water was at this time extremely cold, and when the divers got into the boats, they seemed greatly benumbed ; and it is usual with them, after this exercise, if they are near enough to their wig- wams, to run to the fire, to which presenting one side, they rub and chafe it for some time ; then turning the other, use it in the same manner, till the circulation of the blood is restored. This practice, if it has no worse effect, must occasion their being more susceptible of the impressions of cold than if they waited the gradual advances of their natural warmth in the open air. I leave it to the decision of the gentlemen of the faculty, whether this too hasty approach to the fire may not subject them to a disorder I observed among them, called the elephantiasis, or swelling of the legs. The divers having returned to their boats, we continued to row tiU towards the evening, when we landed upon a low point. As soon as the canoes were hauled up, they employed themselves in erecting their wigwams, .which they despatch with great address and quickness. I still en- joyed the protection of my tw'o good Indian women, who made me their guest here as before. They first regaled me with sea-eggs, and then went out upon another kind of fishery, by the means of dogs and nets. These dogs are a cur-Uke looking animal, but very sagacious, and easily trained to this business. ITiough, in appear- ance, an vincomfortable sort of sport, yet they engage in it readily, seem to enjoy it much, and express their eagerness by barking every time they raise their heads above the water to breathe. The net is held by two Indians, who get into the water ; then the dogs, talving a large compass, dive after the fish, and drive them into the net ; but it is only in particular places that the fish are taken in tliis manner." " I now understood that the two Indian women with whom I sojourned were wives to this chieftain, though one was young enough to be his daughter ; and as far as I could learn, did really stand in the different relations to him both- of daughter and vdfe. It was easy to be perceived that aU did not go well between them at this time ; either that he was not satisfied with the answers they returned