42 TERRA DEL FUEGO. 



any we had previously seen. It was built of boughs, leaves, . 

 and earth ; in shape it resembled a bee-hive, and was imper- 

 vious to wind and snow. The entrance was low and oval- 

 shaped. The floor was formed of clay, and in the centre 

 was an excavation which contained the fire. 



January 31st. M*. C. with six seamen, took possession of 

 Burnt Island, for the purpose of making observations on 

 the tide. He met there several of the natives who had 

 visited the ship ; they were out gathering berries, of which 

 one kind grows here in great abundance, and has a very 

 pleasant flavor ; its color is bright red. 



February 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th, we experienced strong south- 

 west gales, accompanied with heavy rain. On the 5th, the 

 gale subsided, and the weather became mild and pleasant. 



Mr. C. sent on board a great variety of birds which he 

 shot on Burnt Island, and their skins were preserved for 

 government. 



February 12th. We experienced more very disagreeable 

 weather. 



On the 17th, the schooner " Sea Gull " arrived ; she 

 reported the rest of the squadron to be only a few miles oif. 



In the course of February 18th and 19th, the " Vin- 

 cennes," " Peacock," " Porpoise," and " Flying Fish," 

 arrived and anchored. 



On the morning of the 25th, the " Peacock," " Porpoise," 

 and the two schooners sailed on a cruise to the South Pole. 

 Captain Wilkes took passage in the " Porpoise," and the 

 report is that the " Vincennes " will remain here until his 

 return. 



At 8 A. M., on the 26th, we got under-way, and stood out 

 through the southern passage. About 11, passed False Cape 

 Horn ; and 00. 20' P. M., descried the islands of Ildefonsas. 



