104 



DISTRIBUTION OF PLANTS. 



vessels of a larger class. In the afternoon, the wind increased again, 

 and our fourth anchor was let go. The surf beating tremendously on 

 the rocky shore and ledges, presented a novel aspect ; a shooting up 

 in columns, like the effect of mirage, and in wild violence plainly sug- 

 gestive of crashing bones. After dark, the wind shifted to the South- 

 ward, inclining East, blowing yet more heavily and throwing in the 

 sea ; when, with all four anchors down, the ship commenced dragging. 

 Fortunately, this did not last long ; but the wind gradually lessened, 

 at the same time veering back to the Southwest. 



On the morning of the 20th, the whole island was observed to be 

 sprinkled with snow. The wind had moderated, and the position of 

 a buoy indicated the loss of one of our anchors: in getting in the 

 chain, we discovered that another and our largest anchor was also 

 gone. It now became evident, that the ship could not ride out 

 another night like the last, and the weather was scrutinized with 

 anxiety. About 8 p.m. the wind shifted precisely as on the previous 

 evening, blowing heavily ; and the ship commenced dragging, the 

 growling of the chains as they lifted over the bottom being distinctly 

 audible. That the fate of the Relief would be ever known, for two 

 days seemed improbable ; and at length, the crisis came. The vessel 

 dragging towards the end of a rockj' ledge, was on reaching it struck 

 by a wave on the bows, which at once parted us from our anchors. 

 We did not, however, touch the rocks, notwithstanding the direction 

 of the wind ; for the water piling against the island, seemed to give 

 rise to a current, which in sweeping us past kept the vessel clear. 

 When at last the Point of the island bore South of West," the 

 anchor-chains were slipped, the vessel was put under sail, and we were 

 saved. 



On the morning of the 21st, the land was in sight to the Northward, 

 as far as Cape Glocester; the weather being fine and clear, except as 

 was remarked, over Noir Island, which still continued visible. The 

 Relief having lost her anchors, was now on her way to the nearest 

 port where the deficiency could be supplied. 



In the evening of the 22d, we were some thirty miles from Cape 

 Glocester; which was the last land we saw in Terra del Fuego. 



The wind was very light during the 23d, and continued light on the 

 24th. On the 25th, the weather again became thick ; and towards 

 evening, the wind increased to a gale. 



On the' 26th, the latitude was "54° S.;" the weather being fine, and 



