LIFE OF THE FUEGIANS. 739 



babel of voices. They put off at once, keep- 

 ing as close as they could to the Hassler boat, 

 and reaching the vessel almost at the same 

 time. They were not allowed to come on 

 board, but tobacco and biscuit, as well as 

 bright calico and beads for the women, were 

 thrown down to them. They scrambled and 

 snatched fiercely, like wild animals, for what- 

 ever they could catch. They had some idea 

 of barter, for when they found they had re- 

 ceived all that they were likely to get gratui- 

 tously, they held up bows and arrows, wicker 

 baskets, birds, and the large sea-urchins, 

 which are an article of food with them. Even 

 after the steamer had started, they still clung 

 to the side, praying, shrieking, screaming, for 

 more " tabac." When they found it a hope- 

 less chase, they dropped off, and began again 

 the same chanting recitative, waving their 

 hands in farewell. 



Always interested in the comparative study 

 of the races, Agassiz regretted that he had no 

 other opportunity of observing the natives of 

 this region and comparing them with the In- 

 dians he had seen elsewhere, in Brazil and in 

 the United States. It is true that he and his 

 companions, when on shore, frequently came 

 upon their deserted camps, or single empty 



