270 NATUKAL HISTORY OF 



island of Sta. Magdalena, anclioring about half-a-mile from 

 the shore in a bay on the south side. This islet was visited 

 by several of the older navigators, to whom it was known by 

 the name of Penguin Island, on account of the '^ great store 

 of these birds" encountered there ; and at one period, if we 

 may trust to the accuracy of the account given of it in the 

 voyage of Van JSToort, was tenanted by Fuegian Indians, but 

 for a very long period it would appear to have been unin- 

 habited by man. It is of much smaller size than Elizabeth 

 Island, but is larger than Sta. Marta. It rises steeply out of 

 the water, like the other islands in this portion of the Strait, 

 presenting at some points high cliffs of boulder-clay, and at 

 others steep banks covered with short herbage. 



As we came to an anchor we observed that the ledges on 

 the cliffs were white with birds, and that a large herd of sea- 

 lions were reposing on the beach. About nine o'clock a large 

 party left the ship, some on surveying work, and others in 

 quest of sport. As we pulled towards the shore we had a 

 most curious experience, for the water was populous with sea- 

 lions and other seals, which, from being seldom disturbed by 

 man, were apparently much astonished and but little dismayed 

 at our appearance. A herd of between thirty and forty of the 

 former followed our boats at a few yards' distance, plunging 

 beneath the water, and then raising themselves partially out of 

 it, gazing at us with intentness, showing their white tusks, and 

 occasionally uttering a cry intermediate between a grunt and 

 a roar; while many of the latter, bending themselves into a 

 curve, leaped high out of the water in all directions. The 

 herd on the beach allowed us to land, and then, rearing up so 

 as to display their manes, rushed into the water, from whence 

 they eyed us at a safe distance. But a no less curious sight 

 was in store for us ; for on climbing to the summit of one of 



