120 GOOD SUCCESS BAY. Dec. 



ting strongly against a northerly wind and high swell ; but 

 when the tide was slack, at one, the breakers disappeared ; and 

 when we passed close to the cape, at two, the vvater was com- 

 paratively smooth. 



There is a ledge extending from Cape San Diego, over which 

 the flood-tide, coming from the southward, sometimes breaks 

 with such violence, that a small vessel might be swamped by 

 the ' bore ' which it occasions. 



As we sailed into Good Success Bay, a Fuegian yell echoed 

 among the woody heights, and shout after shout succeeded 

 from a party of natives, posted on a projecting woody emi- 

 nence, at the north head of the bay, who were seen waving 

 skins, and beckoning to us with extreme eagerness. Finding 

 that we did not notice them, they lighted a fire, which instantly 

 sent up a volume of thick white smoke. I have often been 

 astonished at the rapidity with which the Fuegians produce 

 this effect (meant by them as a signal) in their wet climate, 

 where I have been, at times, more than two hours attempting 

 to kindle a fire. 



Scarcely was our ship secured, when the wind shifted to 

 south-west, and blew strongly, bringing much rain with it ; and 

 we had indeed reason to rejoice at having attained so secure 

 an anchorage. During the night, heavy squalls (williwaws) 

 disturbed our rest very often, but did no injury, the water 

 being quite smooth. 



18th. Mr. Darwin, Mr. Hamond and others, went with me 

 to the natives who had so vociferously greeted our arrival; 

 and deeply indeed was I interested by witnessing the eflect 

 caused in their minds by this first meeting with man in such a 

 totally savage state. 



There were five or six stout men, half-clothed in guanaco- 

 skins, almost like the Patagonians in aspect and stature, being 

 near six feet high, and confident in demeanour. They scarcely 

 bore resemblance to the Fuegians, except in colour and class of 

 features. I can never forget Mr. Hamond's earnest expression, 

 " What a pity such fine fellows should be left in such a bar- 

 barous state!" It told me that a desire to benefit these isrno- 



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