In the Chonos Archipelago. 87 



avoiding enemies. Often to throw dogs from its 

 trail it would leap suddenly to one side, and run 

 backward on the trail, effectually evading them. 



A portion of the work of the Beagle was the sur- 

 vey of the islands of the Chonos Archipelago, which 

 gave the young naturalist an opportunity to examine 

 what was a rich zoological region. He made his first 

 excursion over the island of Chiloe on horseback, 

 which was made fairly possible by the log-roads 

 which were found everywhere. The natives were 

 astonished at the boats and men, and thought it an 

 attempt to capture the island. From the village of 

 Chacao the volcano of Osorno was seen belching 

 smoke and cinders, which, in contrast to the snow 

 which covered it, presented a magnificent spectacle. 

 Near this was the volcano of Corcovado, emitting 

 jets of steam and smoke. Near by was still another, 

 so that three active volcanoes of large size were seen 

 at a glance. 



The principal quadruped noticed in the Chonos 

 Archipelago was the Myopotamus, so valued for its 

 fur. When swimming in salt water the young were 

 often seen sitting upon the mother's back. A small 

 otter was occasionally taken here, while in the forests 

 a number of interesting birds made melody. One 

 little red-breasted songster was an especial favourite, 

 and when Darwin stood still they would often ap- 

 proach so near that he could almost touch them. 



This little bird he found was much respected by 

 the natives, its singular cries having to them a pecu- 

 liar significance : thus one was a good sign ; another 

 the reverse, while another still had a third meaning. 



