42 TERRA DEL FUEGO. 



any we had previously seen. It was built of boughs, leaves, 

 and earth ; in shape it resembled a bee-hive-, and was imper- 

 vious to wind and snow. The entrance was low and oval- 

 shaped. The floor was formed of clay, and in the centre 

 was an excavation which contained the fire. 



January 31st. Mr. C. with six seamen, took possession of 

 Burnt Island, for the purpose of making observations on 

 the tide. He met there several of the natives who had 

 visited the ship ; they were out gathering berries, of which 

 one kind grows here in great abundance, and has a very 

 pleasant flavor ;. its color is bright red. 



February 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th, we experienced strong south- 

 west gales, accompanied with heavy rain. On the 5th, the 

 gale subsided, and the weather became mild and pleasant. 



Mr. C. sent on board a great variety of birds which he 

 shot on Burnt Island, and their skins were preserved for 

 government. 



February 12th. We experienced more very disagreeable 

 weather. 



On the 17th, the schooner " Sea Gull " arrived ; she 

 reported the rest of the squadron to be only a few miles off. 



In the course of February 18th and 19th, the " Vin- 

 cennes," " Peacock," " Porpoise," and " Flying Fish," 

 arrived and anchored. 



On the morning of the 25th, the " Peacock," " Porpoise," 

 and the two schooners sailed on a cruise to the South Pole. 

 Captain Wilkes took passage in the " Porpoise," and the 

 report is that the " Vincennes " will remain here until his 

 return. 



At 8 A. M., on the 26th, we got under-way, and stood out 

 through the southern passage. About 11, passed False Cape 

 Horn ; and 00.20' P. M., descried the islands of Ildefonsas. 



