THE STRAIT OF MAGELLAN. 225 



horizon. Next morning it was still dead calm, and drizzling 

 rain fell for some time. Many Cape pigeons, a few Fulmars, 

 and one or two albatrosses (Diomedea exulaTis), were seen all 

 swimming together in a group at no great distance. The calm 

 lasted all day, and during the earlier part of the l7th, and 

 we had therefore again recourse to steam. We went along at 

 an easy rate in this manner till the close of the afternoon, 

 when a favourable breeze sprang up, and soon after enabled 

 us to dispense with our useful but disagreeable auxiliary — 

 the screw. On the 18th we maintained a good rate of speed 

 all day ; but, owing to a heavy swell, the vessel rolled to such 

 an extent as to render work, which on my part principally 

 consisted in preparing the specimens obtained during the past 

 season for transmission to England, almost impracticable. 

 The morning of the 19th was beautifully bright, and we 

 began to experience a decided increase in the temperature, 

 causing us to realise that we were leaving winter behind us. 

 It was, however, nearly calm, and when the wind sprang up 

 again after sunset, it was unfortunately ahead, so that we were 

 obliged to tack. A magnificent albatross was soaring about 

 at a short distance astern for some time in the afternoon, and 

 was knocked over, but unfortunately not picked up. All those 

 who have watched those splendid birds must have been struck 

 with the marvellous nature of their flight, as they may often 

 be seen sailing about for more than an hour at a time with- 

 out any apparent movement of their long narrow wings, and 

 will, I doubt not, agree with a well-known ornithological 

 observer, Captain Hutton, who has remarked that he has 

 never '* witnessed anything to equal the ease and grace of this 

 bird, as he sweeps past, often within a few yards, every part 

 of his body perfectly motionless, except the head and eye, 

 which turn slowly, and seem to take notice of everything." 



Q 



