248 FROST AND SNOW—MEET ADELAIDE. June 1829. 
the consequence was, we were extremely cold, as there was a 
sharp frost, and the snow was lying every where very deep. 
Next night we were wiser, and reduced our tent to the smallest 
dimensions. 
“29th. Early in the morning we resumed our search. I had a 
chronometer with me, but as we never saw the sun, nor even a 
star, I should have been as well without it. We pulled and 
sailed towards the northernmost corner first, but found no 
opening, and went thence to the eastward, with a strong and 
favourable breeze. Passing Still-hope Point I felt sure of 
finding a passage, for before me were the tops of mountains 
seen from the Otway Water. I was, however, deceived, the 
gulf ended in two bights, or inlets, unconnected with other 
waters: so we returned to Still-hope Point and hauled up the 
boat. The night passed very well, in a snug place among 
trees, although the snow was falling thickly, Early next morn- 
ing we left the shore, having employed a quarter of an hour in 
clearing the snow out of our boat. When we started, it snowed 
fast but without wind, and we steered by compass for the Sphinx. 
I sketched what I could see of the south side of this gulf, but 
did not consider it worth delaying longer, in such weather, for 
so unimportant a place, while anxious that the Beagle should 
reach Childe before her provisions were expended, and that I 
should fall in with the Adelaide before leaving the Strait. 
If ever a minute survey is made of this gulf, it should be 
after all others have been examined, as it is utterly useless. 
The temperature of the water within it we found to be 40° 
Fahr. We landed on St. Anne’s Island, having run near thirty 
miles since the morning, and thence we sailed across the Strait, 
reached His Majesty’s little vessel, and found that the Adelaide 
had not yet passed by. All looked cold and wintry, every thing 
being covered with snow; and our sails were hard frozen, for 
the first time. 
“July 1st. After beating loose the sails, we stood out in the ship 
to meet the Adelaide, which was seen coming towards us. I went 
on board, and found every one well. They too, in attempting 
to anchor off Carlos Island, had, like ourselves, been driven 
