252 MOUNT SARMIENTO—BARROW HEAD. May 1829. 
* 'T'wo thirds of the height are covered with snow ; and two 
enormous glaciers descend into the deep blue waters of the 
sea beneath. When the sun shines, it is a most brilliant and 
magnificent sight. 
‘* Many days were almost lost to us, in consequence of heavy 
gales, accompanied by torrents of rain; but we profited by 
intervals of fine weather to move from cove to cove. 
“On the 5th of May, while working out of Stormy Bay, 
we grounded, and remained fixed upon a rock several hours, 
but were lifted off again by the next tide, without having sus- 
tained material injury. 
* To vessels navigating this channel, I should strongly re- 
commend giving a preference to the south shore, where there 
are many openings, and I have no doubt good anchorages, 
which, as our time was limited, and the weather very tempes- 
tuous, we had not an opportunity of examining. If any such 
exist they would have a decided advantage over those on the 
north shore, from being generally to windward, and therefore 
easy to leave, as well as more secure. King and Fitz Roy 
Islands, lying in mid-channel, between Stormy and Park Bays, 
are of bold approach, as are also the Kirke Rocks, which lie 
further to the S.W. 
* One morning, being anxious to obtain a more secure 
situation for thé vessel, we started in search of a better berth, 
intending, if possible, to reach a bay on the other shore, near 
Barrow Head, apparently affording good anchorage ; but after 
beating about, from nine until four o'clock, without being 
able to reach it, the breeze freshening, and sea increasing, we 
bore up, and again anchored under the lee of the same island. 
S.W. winds prevail in these parts throughout the year: in 
confirmation of which, besides the experience we ourselves have 
had, all the trees which stand exposed, are bent in an opposite 
direction ; and on the S.W. side of all the land open to that 
point, not only does the vegetation commence much further 
from the water’s edge, but it is scarcer, and more stunted. In 
sheltered places the trees grow to within a ‘foot of high-water 
mark. 
