132 



PORT GALLANT. 



April 1828. 



schooner grounded upon a bank that extends off the mouth of 

 the river ; but the water being perfectly smooth, no damage 

 was caused. As a secure cove, Port Gallant is the best in the 

 Strait of Magalhaens ; from the stillness of its waters, it is a 

 perfect wet dock, and from its position it is invaluable. There 

 are many coves as safe and convenient when once entered ; 

 but the prevailing steepness of the shores, as well as the great 

 depth of water, are obstacles of serious importance. Here, 

 however, is an exception : the bottom is even and the depth 

 moderate ; besides, Fortescue Bay, close by, is an excellent 

 roadstead or stopping-place, to await an opportunity of entering. 



For repairing a ship. Port Famine is more convenient, on 

 account of the quantity and size of well- seasoned timber lying 

 about the beach, and also from the open character of the 

 country. At Port Gallant the trees are much stunted, and unfit 

 for present use, while the shore, as is the case around almost 

 every cove to the westward of Cape Froward, is covered with 

 shrubs and brushwood, quite to the high-water mark; so that 

 there is no possibility of walking easily to any distance from 

 the sea-side. A shingle, or sandy beach, twenty or thirty yards 

 in length, occasionally intervenes, but is scarcely preferable to 

 a vessel's deck, for a walk. 



