8^ PREPARATIONS. ApHl 1827- 



may consider Cape Negro to be the boundary of two countries, 

 as entirely different from each other in geological structure and 

 appearance, as they are in climate, to which last difference may 

 be attributed the dissimilarity of their botanical productions. 



Hence we returned to Port Famine. In our absence, a boat 

 from the Beagle had crossed the Strait to Lomas Bay, where 

 a party of natives had kindled fires of invitation. 



The weather, since the sun crossed the equator, had been 

 unusually fine ; and, with the exception of one day's heavy 

 rain, the sky was so clear (the wind being moderate from 

 the N.E.) that all the heights were exposed to our view, 

 and amongst them Mount Sarmiento stood pre-eminent. 



Our preparations for sailing being nearly completed, the 

 Hope was unrigged and hoisted in, and our temporary settle- 

 ment on shore abandoned. It consisted of a marquee and 

 a large bell tent. In the former was Mr. Harrison (mate), 

 who had charge of the party, and of the meteorological 

 instruments: the bell tent held the crew. Near them were 

 the observatory, a sawpit, and a cooking place, where a 

 cheerful fire was always blazing. The carpenter's shop, 

 cooper'*s bench, and armourer's forge had each its place, as 

 well as a rope-walk, close to which our rigging was refitted, 

 and the sails were repaired. After working-hours the shore 

 party roamed about the woods with guns, or at low water 

 picked up shell fish,* by which they usually procured a 

 fresh meal twice, but always once, a week. Meanwhile the 

 ship was kept carefully clean and in order. The ofiicers not 

 immediately employed in active duty made excursions with 

 their guns ; and although the immediate vicinity of our tents 

 was pretty well thinned of game, yet a walk of a few miles 

 was always rewarded by ample sport. When opportunities 

 offered, some of the men were permitted to amuse themselves 

 on shore with their guns, for which many had provided them- 

 selves with powder and shot. Every Sunday, after divine 

 service, which was performed as regularly as possible under 

 our circumstances, such of the ship's company as desired per- 



* Of these a species of mactra (M, edulis Nob.) was most abundant. 



