2^ 



FUEGIANS. 



1830. 



very far indeed, were three of the number from deserving to 

 be called savages— even at this early period of their residence 

 among civilized people — though the other, named York 

 Minster, was certainly a displeasing specimen of uncivilized 

 human nature. 



The acts of cannibalism occasionally committed by their 

 countrymen, were explained to me in such terms, and with such 

 signs, that I could not possibly misunderstand them ; and a still 

 more revolting account was given, though in a less explicit 

 manner, respecting the horrible fate of the eldest women of 

 their own tribes, when there is an unusual scarcity of food. 



This half-understood story I did not then notice much, for 

 I could not believe it ; but as, since that time, a familiarity 

 with our language has enabled the Fuegians to tell other per- 

 sons, as well as myself, of this strange and diabolical atrocity ; 

 and as Mr. Low (of whom mention will often be made in the 

 following pages) was satisfied of the fact, from the concurrent 

 testimony of other Fuegians who had, at different times, passed 

 months on board his vessel, I no longer hesitate to state my 

 firm belief in the most debasing trait of their character which 

 will be found in these pages. 



At the sea-ports which the Beagle visited in her way from 

 Tierra del Fuego to England, animals, ships, and boats seemed 

 to engage the notice of our copper-coloured friends far more 

 than human beings or houses. When any thing excited their 

 attention particularly, they would appear, at the time, almost 

 stupid and unobservant ; but that they were not so in reality 

 was shown by their eager chattering to one another at the very 

 first subsequent opportunity, and by the sensible remarks 

 made by them a long time afterwards, when we fancied they 

 had altogether forgotten unimportant occurrences which took 

 place during the first few months of their sojourn among us. 



A large ox, with unusually long horns, excited their won- 

 der remarkably; but in no instance was outward emotion 

 noticed, to any great degree, excepting when they saw a steam- 

 vessel going into Falmouth Harbour. What extraordinary 

 monster it was, they could not imagine. Whether it was a 



DSI 



