200 



POTATOES. 



How can we account for the numerous canoes stranded in Ob- 

 struction Sound, excepting by a supposition that the natives, 

 after using them in a north-westerly excursion, left them 

 behind at their return, as they may have left others on the 

 shores of Skyring Water ? These canoes were all of bark, 

 and rather smaller than those usually made by the southern 

 Fuegians." Should this be the case, there can no longer be 

 any doubt of the non-existence of a direct passage between 

 Skyring Water and the Smyth Channel (leading northwards 

 from Magalhaens Strait). Perhaps the horse Indians sometimes 

 stay in the neighbourhood of Obstruction Sound, and oblige 

 their slaves (zapallos) to build canoes and swan- traps, to fish 

 for them, ^d even make excursions for seal. 



Mr. Bynoe saw many nutria among the islands of Western 

 Patagonia, and a great number of otters. Brant-geese, swans, 

 ducks, and rock-geese were also plentiful in particular places, 

 but not generally. Besides the wild potato, found on the 

 Guaianaco islands (mentioned in the first volume), Mr. Bynoe 

 noticed, in the Gulf of Penas, an abundance of the plant 

 called ' pangue,' which grows also in Chiloe, and is so much 

 liked by the Chilotes. 



Mr. Low said that natives whom he met in the Gulf of Tri- 

 nidad relished potatoes which he gave them, and asked for 

 more. They pointed towards the north and used the word 

 ' aquinas,^ which he recognized as being the term used for 

 potatoes by the aborigines at the south of Chiloe. 



A native who was on board the Adeona in one of her excur- 

 sions among the western islands of Patagonia induced Low to 

 take long walks in search of potatoes, which never were found ; 

 and afterwards, in the Mesier Channel, he persuaded him to go 

 about in quest of seals, until an opportunity offered for escap- 

 ing to a small party of his own tribe whom he met there. When 

 taxed by the crew with deceiving Mr. Low about the potatoes, 

 he fell into (or affected) a violent passion, and sprung at the 

 nearest man, grappling him in a most determined and malicious 

 manner. 



Having now mentioned all that I know respecting the Canoe 



