TERRA DEL FUEGO. 37 



island, but that which did come under our observation pre- 

 sented a scene which we did not expect to witness in so high 

 a latitude. There was an abundance of vegetation, and much 

 more advanced than any which was seen at Good Success Bay. 



On the 26th of January we left New Island, and stood to 

 the westward. It was very provoking to find that our charts 

 so entirely misrepresented this part of the coast and islands, 

 as to destroy our confidence in them. At 11 A. M., saw 

 what was supposed to be Saddle Island. At meridian it was 

 so hazy that we were unable to obtain a meridian observation, 

 which was greatly needed, in order to ascertain our true 

 position. 



On the 27th, at 2 P. M., we anchored in a small harbor. 

 At first sight we were under the impression that this was 

 Orange Bay, but upon further examination we found that we 

 had been deceived ; and at 7 A. M., Lieutenant Underwood 

 was dispatched to reconnoitre the coast. 



In the afternoon we took a stroll on shore. The land for 

 some miles back from the beach was low, and the soil ap- 

 peared less fertile than any we had yet seen. It bore in spots 

 a small red berry, which had a pleasant flavor. Visited a 

 hut, in which was found a knife and a piece of Guernsey 

 frock ; the knife was originally a part of an iron-hoop. The 

 hut was not in such good preservation as that found on New 

 Island. 



The wild goose, the shag duck, and some others of the 

 feathered tribe,, were in great abundance here, and many were 

 killed by the scientific gentlemen, and their skins preserved 

 for the government. Found, by an excellent meridian obser- 

 vation, the latitude of our anchorage to be 55 20' SO" south ; 

 longitude by chronometer 67 37' 00 /7 west. At sunset Mr 

 Underwood returned. 



