Feb. 1827. MAGDALEN CHANNEL. 61 
very convenient for a smail vessel: to us, indeed, it was a most 
welcome discovery. The land rises, around this cove, to the 
height of two or three thousand feet. It is covered with Beech, 
and Winter’s-bark, and near the water is adorned with large 
groves of Fuchsia, Berberis, and the common shrubs of Port 
Famine, growing so thickly as to form an almost impenetrable 
jungle ; but, notwithstanding the picturesque character of its 
scenery, the towering height of the hills, which exclude the 
sun’s rays for the whole day, during the greater portion of the 
year, renders it a gloomy and melancholy spot.* 
We found a family of Fuegians in the immer harbour. 
Three canoes were hauled up on the beach, but their owners 
were not at first visible. At last, after our repeatedly calling 
out ‘ Ho-say, ho-say,’ they appeared, and, rather reluctantly, 
invited us, by signs, to land. There seemed to be fourteen 
or fifteen people, and seven or eight dogs. Mr. Wickham and 
Mr. Tarn went on shore to these natives, who exhibited some 
timidity, until a hideous old woman began to chatter, and soon 
made them understand that the young men (La-a-pas) were 
absent on a hunting excursion, but were every moment ex- 
pected to return. There were only three men with the women 
and children. To inspire them with confidence in our good 
intentions, Mr. Wickham gave each man a red cap, and some 
other trifles. One of them complained of being sick, but I 
rather imagine his illness was feigned, and the others did not 
at all seem to like our visit. By degrees their fears sub- 
sided, and, restraint being laid aside, an active trade began ; 
in which several otter skins, shell-necklaces, spears, and other 
trifles, were obtained from them in exchange for beads, buttons, 
medals, &c. The otters are caught by the help of dogs, on 
which account, principally, the latter are so valuable. 
These people were slightly clothed with skins of the seal 
and otter, but some had pieces of guanaco mantles over their 
shoulders, whence we supposed that they were either of the 
same tribe, or at peace, with the Indians of Admiralty Sound : 
by “sub rupe cavata 
Arboribus clausam circum atque horrentibus umbris.”’ 
