[17] WORK OF STEAMER ALBATROSS. 387 



latitude have been commented upon by navigators, it being asserted 

 by some that bad weather follows a fall. It is a region of sudden 

 changes and frequent gales in winter, and it would not be strange if 

 such were the case when this phenomenon is likely to occur any day, 

 or several times a day. We experienced notable variations in surface 

 temperature, yet the weather continued almost perfect, owing probably 

 to its being the summer season. These fluctuations in surface temper- 

 ature are caused by a cold submarine current from the Antarctic, which 

 occasionally finds its way to the surface. 



A successful haul of the trawl was made at 11.30 a. m. on the 16th, 

 and another at the same hour on the following day. High laud back of 

 Cape Yirgins was made at 1.45 p. in., and at 4 we made another suc- 

 cessful haul of the trawl in 31 fathoms. Trial lines were put over on 

 Sarmiento Bank, but no fish were taken, owing probably to the rapid 

 drift of the ship over the bottom. The small beam trawl was allowed 

 to drag a few minutes, and new and interesting specimens were taken, 

 although the net came up a mere wreck. 



The wind gradually increased from the northwest, until at 5 p. m. it 

 was blowing a moderate gale, with heavy swell, which continued until 

 we rounded the Cape. We steamed ahead as soon as the trawl was 

 up, and at 7 p. m. anchored for the night off Dungeness. The wind 

 moderated after sunset, and was followed by rainy, misty weather. 



Dungeness to Sandy Point, Straits of Magellan. — We were under way 

 at 4 o'clock the following morning, and made a haul of the trawl at 4.30 

 a. in., in 17 fathoms, entered the first narrows at 8, groping our way 

 through the rain and mist, and at 9.41 cast the trawl again, in mid- 

 channel, in 29 fathoms, sand and stones, and made a successful haul, 

 although the flood-tide was running with great force. 



Extensive buildings belonging to Wood's sheep ranch were observed 

 on Delgada Point, excellent guides for vessels making the anchorage 

 as well as for those entering the Narrows, when Direction Hills and 

 other landmarks are shut out by fog. The passage through the 

 Narrows was made without difficulty, the weather clearing as we ap- 

 proached the western entrance. A successful haul of the trawl was 

 made near Triton Bank, in 21 fathoms, sand and pebbles, at 12.10 

 p. in., and at 1.25 we anchored in Gregory Bay. 



Fel ton's sheep ranch lies north and west of the bay, the buildings 

 being conspicuous when approaching the anchorage. Sheep-grazing is 

 a new and very profitable industry, and most, if not all, of the Patago- 

 nian coast from Cape Virgins to Sandy Point is now utilized for that 

 purpose. The wilds of Terra del Fuego have even been invaded by 

 the sheep-graziers, they having located on some of the more accessible 

 islands on the south side of the Straits of Magellan, which are well 

 adapted for their purpose. The Indians seem disposed to contest the 

 invasion, and more or less trouble is anticipated before the graziers are 

 allowed to occupy their newly discovered pastures without molestation. 



