42 TERRA DEL FT7EG0. 



with a layer of clay, upon which a lire was kept burning. 

 It would seem from the great care they appear to take of 

 their fire, that, when extinguished, it is no easy matter for 

 them to rekindle it. 



When this party left the ship, they employed themselves 

 for several hours in fishing among the kelp, and then they 

 pulled up towards the head of the bay where their hut 

 was located, and which was found to be quite differently 

 constructed from any we had previously seen. It was built 

 of boughs, leaves, and earth ; in shape it resembled a bee- 

 hive, and was impervious 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. Mr. 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 

 southwest 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 disagree- 

 able weather. 



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

 ported the rest of the squadron to be only a few miles off'. 



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

 cennes," "Peacock," "Porpoise," and "Flying Fisht- 

 ail- jved and anchored. 



