SURVEYING VOYAGES 
OF THE 
ADVENTURE anp tHe BEAGLE, 
1826—1830. 
CHAPTER I. 
Departure from Monte Video—Port Santa Elena— Geological remarks 
—Cape Fairweather—Non-existence of Chalk—Natural History— 
Approach to Cape Virgins, and the Strait of Magalhaens (or 
Magellan). 
WeE sailed from Monte Video on the 19th of November 
1826; and, in company with the Beagle, quitted the river 
Plata. 
According to my Instructions, the Survey was to commence 
at Cape San Antonio, the southern limit of the entrance of 
the Plata; but, for the following urgent reasons, I decided to 
begin with the southern coasts of Patagonia, and Tierra del 
Fuego, including the Straits of Magalhaens.* In the first 
place, they presented a field of great interest and novelty ; and 
secondly, the climate of the higher southern latitudes being so 
severe and tempestuous, it appeared important to encounter its 
rigours while the ships were in good condition—while the 
crews were healthy—and while the charms of a new and diffi- 
cult enterprize had full force. 
* Commonly called Magellan. See p. 11. 
VOL. I, B 
