SURVEYING VOYAGES 



OF THE 



ADVENTURE and the BEAGLE, 

 1826—1830. 



CHAPTER I. 



Departure from JNIonte Video — Port Santa Elena — Geological remarks 

 — Cape Fairvveatber — Non-existence of Chalk — Natural History — 

 Approach to Cape Virgins, and the Strait of Magalhaens (or 

 Magellan). 



We sailed from Monte Video on the 19th of November 

 18^6 ; and, in company with the Beagle, quitted the river 

 Plata. 



According to my Instructions, the Survey was to commence 

 at Cape San Antonio, the southern limit of the entrance of 

 the Plata ; but, for the following urgent reasons, I decided to 

 begin with the southern coasts of Patagonia, and Tierra del 

 Fuego, including the Straits of Magalhaens."^ In the first 

 place, they presented a field of great interest and novelty ; and 

 secondly, the climate of the higher southern latitudes being so 

 severe and tempestuous, it appeared important to encounter its 

 rigours while the ships were in good condition — while the 

 crews were healthy — and while the charms of a new and diffi- 

 cult enterprize had full force. 



* Commonly called Magellan. See p. 11. 

 VOL. I. B 



