PORT USBORNE. 161 



islands, and where the coast suddenly trends away 

 to the eastward. 



We were deliofhted to find ourselves in an 

 anchorage almost surrounded by land, and although 

 the rugged standstone ridges, with their dark, 

 mysterious, and densely- wooded valleys, did not give 

 the shore a very inviting appearance, still the very 

 wildness of the scenery contrasted pleasingly in our 

 remembrance with the monotonous level of the 

 country about Point Torment, and on the banks of 

 the Fitz-Roy. Our present position had also its 

 practical advantages, being well adapted for carry- 

 ing on the essential duties of the survey, for which 

 service the boats were prepared in the course of 

 the afternoon. 



This snug little port we found to be three- 

 quarters of a mile broad and one deep, and vary-^ 

 ing in depth from seven to fifteen fathoms : it faces 

 west, the entrance points lying nearly north and 

 south of each other, and affords an abundant 

 supply of wood and water. We saw no traces of 

 inhabitants ; not even the curling smoke that had so 

 often indicated their presence, greeted the eye ; all 

 was silent, and the feelings of utter loneliness were 

 only dispelled by the mournful screams of the 

 curlew, and occasional howl of the wild dog, as the 

 deepening shadows of night closed in. 



March 23. — The boats were manned early, 

 and we left the ship with the best wishes of the 

 anxious group who watched our departure, and 



VOL. I. M 



