132 PORT GALLANT. April 1828. 
schooner grounded upon a bank that extends off the mouth of 
the river; but the water being perfectly smooth, no damage 
was caused. As a secure cove, Port Gallant is the best in the 
Strait of Magalhaens; from the stillness of its waters, it is a 
perfect wet dock, and from its position it is invaluable. There 
are many coves as safe and convenient when once entered ; 
but the prevailing steepness of the shores, as well as the great 
depth of water, are obstacles of serious importance. Here, 
however, is an exception: the bottom is even and the depth 
moderate; besides, Fortescue Bay, close by, is an excellent 
roadstead or stopping-place, to await an opportunity of entering. 
For repairing a ship, Port Famine is more convenient, on 
account of the quantity and size of well-seasoned timber lying 
about the beach, and also from the open character of the 
country. At Port Gallant the trees are much stunted, and unfit 
for present use, while the shore, as is the case around almost 
every cove to the westward of Cape Froward, is covered with 
shrubs and brushwood, quite to the high-water mark; so that 
there is no possibility of walking easily to any distance from 
the sea-side. A shingle, or sandy beach, twenty or thirty yards 
in length, occasionally intervenes, but is scarcely preferable to 
a vessel’s deck, for a walk. 
