CHAPTER XV. 
GEOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE VICINITY OF 
NASSAU BAY, TIERRA DEL FUEGO. 
Nassau Bay forms a, large indentation in the southern coast of 
Tierra del Fuego, a few miles to the west of the meridian of Cape 
Horn. It is about twenty-five miles deep and averages twelve in 
width. It is partially protected from the influx of heavy seas by 
several large islands at its mouth, among which Cape Horn is the 
southernmost, and Hermite Island has the largest extent. 
The coast of Nassau Bay presents a succession of deep coves, 
bounded, with few exceptions, by rugged rocks, which are usually 
precipitous except at the heads of the coves, where there is generally 
a convenient landing-place for boats. ‘There are many islands scat- 
tered over the bay; and these with the mountain scenery of the 
coast make the harbour one of the most beautiful in the world. The 
hills either side of the entrance rise into rude conical peaks of rock, 
or ridges of broken outline. A few miles to the southwest, the moun- 
tains, though scarcely three thousand feet high, have a cold, wintry 
aspect; and over the expanse of waters at the head of the bay, stands 
a loftier ridge enveloped in snows. 
One of the principal coves of Nassau Bay is styled Orange Harbour. 
It is situated on the western side of the bay, under the lee of Burnt 
Island. Here our vessels were anchored, and in its neighbourhood I 
spent the only day I had ashore. 
The surface of the country, as far as examined, is a constant succes- 
sion of hilland valley. he hills have smooth green slopes below, but 
usually rise into a ragged rocky crest. The valleys as well as the 
side-hills are covered with a great depth of rich soil, supporting a 
dense growth of vegetation. ‘The plants are mostly alpine, and instead 
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