THREE DAYS IN THE FALKLAND ISLANDS. 211 



been eaten down and destroyed by tbe stock. It grows somewhat like the 

 Tree Fern of Australia, but is only half the size. 



The geological formation consists of sandstone and clay slate. The 

 country is hilly, but the highest parts are as boggy as the flats, and it is 

 everywhere covered by a peaty soil. The tops of the mountains are 

 thickly strewn with detached boulders of a coarse white quartz rock. Many 

 of these have fallen, or been displaced by some convulsion of nature in 

 such a remarkable manner, that from a short distance it is difficult to 

 persuade oneself that it is not an actual stream of water; and on ap- 

 proaching one of these rivulets of stones, we were much surprised to find 

 that we could distinctly hear the water brawling along under the rocks. 



The climate is boisterous, and the changes of temperature very sudden, 

 although the Islanders do not suffer from the extremes of either heat or 

 cold. Even in the midst of summer they are subject to violent snow-storms, 

 which destroy a great many cattle; indeed, the weather is so tempestuous, 

 that it is only in sheltered situations they are enabled to grow a few 

 vegetables — the cultivation of cereal crops is not even attempted. But 

 what gives an air of desolation is the fact, that not a single tree is found 

 on the whole of these wretched islands; and it was only in one or two 

 sheltered situations that we saw a few stunted bushes, about two or three 

 feet in height. 



West Falkland, which is stated to possess a finer climate and ^^camp," 

 and several excellent harbours, is uninhabited — for what reason I know 

 not. It is frequented at certain seasons of the year by whalers and sealers, 

 (chiefly American,) and by vessels in quest of guano, considerable quantities 

 of which are found on several of the rocks and islets. 



The anchorage of Stanley harbour is excellent; it is easy of access, and 

 is admirably adapted for a coaling depot for steamers. Berkeley Sound is 

 also a good harbour; it is sheltered from all winds by Long Island, which 

 stretches nearly across the entrance, leaving a navigable channel on either 

 side. This island belongs to the Port Louis Company, and being of con- 

 siderable extent, and covered with Tussac grass, it is used for the purpose 

 of fattening their cattle, which are driven across by the Guachos when 

 the tide is out. 



It is stated that coal exists in these islands, but we saw none, nor any 

 indications of it. Peat is used for fuel, and also a small shrub, which is of 

 so inflammable a nature, that it burns readily even when quite green. When 

 this cannot be procured, the bones of the cattle and horses are used as a 

 substitute. 



The inhabitants depend chiefly for subsistence upon the produce of their 

 guns. At the house where we stopped at Port Louis, the shepherd and 

 his family were without any bread, but, except in lieu thereof a little 



