THE STRAIT OF MAGELLAN. 43 



We kept a fair wind during the 19th, but the barometer 

 fell rapidly and steadily, which, together with a gloomy, 

 murky state of the atmosphere, excited apprehensions, only 

 too soon to be justified, that a second gale was brewing. In 

 the course of the evening the wind freshened considerably, 

 and some hours later it shifted to the north and westward, 

 and rain fell in torrents. By 7 A.M. on the 20th it was west, 

 and steadily increased in force, accompanied by a falling 

 barometer. It soon became clear that we were in for one of 

 the Pamperos for which the Plate and its vicinity have been 

 so long celebrated, and which owe their name to the circum- 

 stance of their blowing from off the Pampas or plains. AU 

 due preparations in the way of shortening and reefing sail 

 were therefore made for the enemy ; but these I do not feel 

 myself competent to describe, and shall therefore not enter 

 into. The wind increased with great rapidity, the force in 

 the forenoon averaging 6-9 and in the afternoon 8-10, the 

 vessel meanwhile rolling beyond the extent (30°) registered 

 by the indicator, and causing serious apprehensions to be 

 entertained for the safety of the steam-cutter, which, despite 

 the very considerable elevation at which she was suspended, 

 was several times dipped beneath the waves. I retain a 

 lively remembrance of the pursuit of dinner under difficulties 

 that day, for, it being impossible to sit at table, the greater 

 number of us were established on the floor of the wardroom, 

 jammed up into corners as well as we could manage, with 

 our plates on our knees. It continued to blow furiously 

 throughout the evening ; and about 9 P.M. steam was got up, 

 and the screw lowered for the purpose of easing the ship. 

 At 10 P.M. the barometer had sunk to 29°10'69', but soon 

 after began to rise, rising as rapidly as it fell. There was, 

 however, no perceptible decrease, but rather the contrary, in 



