Feb.1830. curistMAS sOUND—YORK MINSTER. 407 
and for this we cut up a spare spar, which was intended to 
supply the place of a defective or injured lower mast or bow- 
sprit. With reluctance this fine spar, which had been the 
Doris’s main-topmast, was condemned to the teeth of the saw ; 
but I felt certain that the boat Mr. May would produce from 
it, would be valuable in any part of the world, and that for our 
voyage it was indispensable. 
*¢ Profiting by a clear day, I went to a height in the neigh- 
bourhood, whence I could see to a great distance in-shore, as 
well as along the coast, and got a view of Mount Sarmiento. 
While away from the Beagle, in search of the lost boat, we 
had enjoyed four succeeding days of fine weather, during which 
that noble mountain had been often seen by our party. The 
astronomical bearing of its summit was very useful in con- 
necting this coast survey with that of the Strait of Magal- 
haens. 
“¢ 25th and 26th. Mr. Murray went to the S.W. part of the 
island, taking three days’ provisions. Mr. Stokes and I were 
employed near the ship, while every man who could use car- 
penter’s tools was occupied in preparing materials for our new 
boat. The rock near here is greenstone, in which are many 
veins of pyrites. Specimens are deposited in the museum of 
the Geological Society. 
28th. Weighed, warped to windward, and made sail out 
of Adventure Passage. I was very anxious to reach Christmas 
Sound, because it seemed to mea good situation for the Beagle, 
while the boats could go east and west of her, and the new 
boat might be built. Running along the land, before a fresh 
breeze, we soon saw York Minster, and in the evening entered 
Christmas Sound, and anchored in the very spot where the 
Adventure lay when Cook was here. His sketch of the sound, 
and description of York Minster, are very good, and quite 
enough to guide a ship to the anchoring place. I fancied that 
the high part of the Minster must have crumbled away since 
he saw it, as it no longer resembled ‘ two towers, but had a 
ragged, notched summit, when seen from the westward. It was 
some satisfaction to find ourselves at anchor at this spot in 
