CHAPTER II. 



Hydrographer's Opinion— Continuation of Survey— Chain of INIeridian 

 Distances— Efficient Arrangements — Repair and raise Deck — Outfit — 

 Boats— Lightning-Conductors— Rudder— Stove— Windlass— Chrono- 

 meters — Mr. Darwin — Persons on board — Changes — List of those who 

 returned — Supplies— Admiralty Instructions— Memorandum — Hydro- 

 grapher's Memorandum. 



When it was decided that a small vessel shovdd be sent to 

 Tierra del Fuego, the Hydrographer of the Admiralty was 

 referred to for his opinion, as to what addition she might make 

 to the yet incomplete surveys of that country, and other places 

 which she might visit. 



Captain Beaufort embraced the opportunity of expressing 

 his anxiety for the continuance of the South American Surveys, 

 and mentioning such objects, attainable by the Beagle, as he 

 thous-ht most desirable : and it was soon after intimated to me 

 that the voyage might occupy several years. Desirous of add- 

 ing as much as possible to a work in which I had a strong 

 interest, and entertaining the hope that a chain of meridian dis- 

 tances might be carried round the world if we returned to 

 England across the Pacific, and by the Cape of Good Hope ; 

 I resolved to spare neither expense nor trouble in making our 

 little Expedition as complete, with respect to material and 

 preparation, as my means and exertions would allow, when 

 supported by the considerate and satisfactory arrangements of 

 the Admiralty : which were carried into effect (at that time) 

 by the Navy Board, the Victualling Board, and the Dock- 

 yard officers at Devonport. 



The Beagle was commissioned on the 4th of July 1831, 

 and was immediately taken into dock to be thoroughly exa- 

 mined, and prepared for a long period of foreign service. As 

 she required a new deck, and a good deal of repair about the 

 upper works, I obtained permission to have the upper-deck 



VOL. II. c 



