June 1828. SHORT STAY AT PORT OTWAY. 181 
incessant and heavy rain, accompanied by strong gales, the 
health of the ship’s company had been seriously affected, par- 
ticularly with pulmonic complaints, catarrhal, and rheumatic 
affections; and that, as a recurrence of them would probably 
prove fatal in many instances, a temporary cessation would be 
of the greatest advantage to the crew, by affording an oppor- 
tunity of recruiting their health.’ 
“On receiving the above communication from the surgeon, 
I ordered the yards and topmasts to be struck, and the ship 
covered over with sails. Precaution was used to prevent the 
people from being subjected to frequent exposure, by not 
employing any of them in boats, except once a day in procur- 
ing muscles, and every thing was avoided that could in the 
least interfere with the recovery of their health : but this place 
is exceedingly ill adapted for the winter quarters of a ship's 
company, as the woods that surround it, down even to the 
water’s edge, allow no space for exercise on shore, and there is 
neither game nor fish to be procured, except shell-fish ; of 
which, fortunately (muscles and clams), we found an abun- 
dance, and they proved useful in removing symptoms of scurvy, 
besides affording a change of diet. The place being destitute 
of inhabitants, is without that source of recreation, which 
intercourse with any people, however uncivilized, would afford 
a ship’s company after a laborious and disagreeable cruise in 
these dreary solitudes. Every port along this coast is alike ill 
suited for a winter’s residence, and it was only our peculiar 
situation that induced me to determine on making a short 
stay at this place.” 
Here poor Captain Stokes’s remarks and notes end. Those 
who have been exposed to one of such trials as his, upon an 
unknown lee shore, during the worst description of weather, 
will understand and appreciate some of those feelings which 
wrought too powerfully upon his excitable mind. 
The Beagle remained quiet until the 29th of June, when the 
surgeon reported ‘ the crew sufficiently healthy to perform 
their duties without any material injury to their constitutions.” 
