TERRA DEL FUEGO. 37 



We had not time to examine much of the interior of the 

 island, but that which did come under our observation 

 presented a scene which we did not expect to witness in 

 so high a latitude. There was an abundance of vegeta- 

 tion, 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 me- 

 ridian 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 Un- 

 derwood 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 

 appeared less fertile than any we had yet seen. It bore 

 in spots a small red berry, which had a pleasant flavor. 

 Yisited a hut, in which we 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 observation, the latitude of our anchorage to be 



