236 



Mil. STOKES RETURNS CAPE QUOD. J line 18^9. 



Many large inlets and sounds look like channels ; but on going 

 a short distance into them, you find dead water. 



29th. We passed through Jerome Channel, and reached the 

 bar, off Bachelor River, after dark ; but the cutter got aground, 

 and gave us some trouble to float her again. Afterwards one 

 of the men was landed on the bar, and by his walking in the 

 deepest water, and the whale-boat going next, we got into the 

 little river at nine o'clock, not sorry to be in safety. There are 

 tide races between the Jerome Channel, and Bachelor River, 

 which are sometimes dangerous ; but as the breeze was mode- 

 rate, we passed them without difficulty. 



" May 30th. Employed chiefly in stowing the cutter afresh, 

 packing specimens, and preparing my boat to take what 

 remained of our provisions. At two next morning, when the 

 tide served, Mr. Stokes set out to return to the Beagle : and 

 having both wind and tide in his favour arrived early at Port 

 Gallant. 



" The wind increased after daylight, and blew strong, with 

 squalls. I waited a short time, but, having no hopes of its im- 

 proving, left the river. My boat was much lumbered, having 

 the chronometer-box, and more instruments than before ; yet 

 she pulled pretty well, even against the heavy squalls. After 

 landing at the west side of the entrance to the Jerome Channel, 

 to take bearings and angles, we pulled along shore to the west- 

 ward, and at dark hauled the boat up in a small sheltered 

 corner. After she was secured, we employed ourselves looking- 

 for limpets and muscles for supper, by the light of a lanthorn, 

 as we had good appetites, and our provisions were scanty. 



" June 1st. We pulled along shore against a strong and 

 squally wind, and before evening nearly reached Cape Quod ; 

 but not being able to pass it, stopped in a cove on the east side. 



" 2d. At the oars again, early, having a fine clear morning, 

 with the tide rather in our favour. By eleven. Cape Quod was 

 astern of us ; and a long view of the Strait presented itself. 

 This part is very rugged and barren, and looks triste, indeed ; 

 still wherever a tree can take root it tries to grow. This night 

 was passed on a small island at the west point of Snowy Sound. 



