Feb. 1827. 



MAGDALEN CHANNEL. 



61 



very convenient for a small vessel : to us, indeed, it was a most 

 welcome discovery. The land rises, around this cove, to the 

 height of two or three thousand feet. It is covered with Beech, 

 and Winter''s-bark, and near the water is adorned with large 

 groves of Fuchsia, Berberis, and the common shrubs of Port 

 Famine, growing so thickly as to form an almost impenetrable 

 jungle; but, notwithstanding the picturesque character of its 

 scenery, the towering height of the hills, which exclude the 

 sun''s rays for the whole day, during the greater portion of the 

 year, renders it a gloomy and melancholy spot.^ 



We found a family of Fuegians in the inner harbour. 

 Three canoes were hauled up on the beach, but their owners 

 were not at first visible. At last, after our repeatedly calling 

 out ' Ho-say, ho-say,^ they appeared, and, rather reluctantly, 

 invited us, by signs, to land. There seemed to be fourteen 

 or fifteen people, and seven or eight dogs. Mr. Wickham and 

 Mr. Tarn went on shore to these natives, who exhibited some 

 timidity, until a hideous old woman began to chatter, and soon 

 made them understand that the young men (La-a-pas) were 

 absent on a hunting excursion, but were every moment ex- 

 pected to return. There were only three men with the women 

 and children. To inspire them with confidence in our good 

 intentions, Mr. Wickham gave each man a red cap, and some 

 other trifles. One of them complained of being sick, but I 

 rather imagine his illness was feigned, and the others did not 

 at all seem to like our visit. By degrees their fears sub- 

 sided, and, restraint being laid aside, an active trade began ; 

 in which several otter skins, shell-necklaces, spears, and other 

 trifles, were obtained from them in exchange for beads, buttons, 

 medals, &c. The otters are caught by the help of dogs, on 

 which account, principally, the latter are so valuable. 



These people were slightly clothed with skins of the seal 

 and otter, but some had pieces of guanaco mantles over their 

 shoulders, whence we supposed that they were either of the 

 same tribe, or at peace, with the Indians of Admiralty Sound : 



* sab rupe cavata 



Arhorihns clausam cii'cum at(|ue horrentibiis iimbris,'' 



