108 RIO NEGRO. 



and it was found, as the vessels were on different sides of them, they 

 were set in opposite directions. The current on the outside of a line 

 drawn from Cape Good Success to Cape Horn sets to the eastward, 

 and vessels sailing to the westward would greatly facilitate their 

 passage by beating within this line, taking advantage of the tide on 

 its ebb, and passing between the Hermit Islands and the main through 

 Nassau Bay, if the time is at all favourable for it. In case of necessity, 

 they may obtain good anchorage. 



To the eastward of Cape Horn I obtained a sounding with the deep 

 sea thermometer to the depth of four hundred and fifty fathoms. The 

 temperature at the surface was 44°, and when the thermometer came 

 up it showed but 28°. The sounding w 7 as perpendicular, and the 

 thermometer had been examined by two or three persons before going 

 down, so that, we were assured there was no mistake. So remarkable 

 a circumstance surprised me not a little. It was too late to attempt 

 another sounding that night, and I regretted in the morning to find 

 myself on soundings in eighty fathoms water. The temperature at 

 that depth did not fall below 46°, whilst at the surface it was at 49°. 



The coast of Terra del Fuego presents the same general character 

 throughout, of high, broken, and rugged land, which appears of a 

 uniform elevation of about one thousand or fifteen hundred feet, with 

 here and there a peak or mountain covered with snow, rising to some 

 four or five thousand feet. The whole wears a sombre and desolate 

 aspect. It may be said to be iron-bound, with many high and isolated 

 rocks, that have become detached from the land apparently by the 

 wear of ages. Numerous unexpected indentations occur all along the 

 coast, many of them forming harbours for small vessels, and some of 

 them very safe ones. 



On Captain King's report of Orange Harbour, I had determined to 

 make that our place of rendezvous previous to our first Antarctic trip, 

 and accordingly all the vessels were ordered to proceed thither. We 

 had his directions, although we were without the chart. I felt confi- 

 dent I might repose full reliance in them, from his well-known ability; 

 and I now offer an acknowledgment of their value and general 

 accuracy. 



The channels formed by the islands are deep, with no anchorage 

 except in the coves near the rocks ; but a vessel is generally safe in 

 passing through, as there are no dangers but those which show them- 

 selves, and wherever rocks are, kelp will be found growing upon them. 

 To pass through the kelp without previous examination is not safe. It 

 borders all the shores of the bays and harbours, and effectually points 

 out the shoal water. 



