CHAP, X.] FUEGIANS. 227 
derstand the reason of our tacking, and, instead of meeting us at 
each tack, vainly strove to follow us in our zig-zag course. I 
was amused at finding what a difference the circumstance of 
being quite superior in force made, in the interest of beholding 
these savages. While in the boats I got to hate the very sound 
of their voices, so much trouble did they give us. The first and 
last word was “‘yammerschooner.” When, entering some quiet 
little cove, we have looked round and thought to pass a quiet 
night, the odious word “ yammerschooner” has shrilly sounded 
from some gloomy nook, and then the little signal-smoke has 
curled up to spread the news far and wide. On leaving some 
place we have said to each other, ‘Thank Heaven, we have at 
last fairly left these wretches!’ when one more faint halloo from 
an all-powerful voice, heard at a prodigious distance, would 
reach our ears, and clearly could we distinguish—“ yammer- 
schooner.” But now, the more Fuegians the merrier ; and very 
merry work it was. Both parties laughing, wondering, gaping 
at each other; we pitying them, for giving us good fish and 
crabs for rags, &c.; they grasping at the chance of finding 
people so foolish as to exchange such splendid ornaments for a 
good supper. It was most amusing to see the undisguised smile 
of satisfaction with which one young woman with her face 
painted black, tied several bits of scarlet cloth round her head 
with rushes. Her husband, who enjoyed the very universal pri- 
vilege in this country of possessing two wives, evidently became 
jealous of all the attention paid to his young wife; and, after a 
consultation with his naked beauties, was paddled away by 
them. 
Some of the Fuegians plainly showed that they had a fair 
notion of barter. I gave one man a large nail (a most valuable 
present) without making any signs for a return; but he imme- 
diately picked out two fish, and handed them up on the point of 
his spear. If any present was designed for one canoe, and it 
fell near another, it was invariably given to the right owner. 
The Fuegian boy, whom Mr. Low had on board, showed, by 
going into the most violent passion, that he quite understood 
the reproach of being called a liar, which in truth he was, We 
were this time, as on all former occasions, much surprised at the 
little notice, cr rather none whatever, which was taken of many 
