248 



FllOST AND SNOW MEET ADELAIDE. JunC 1829. 



the consequence was, we were extremely cold, as there was a 

 sharp frost, and the snow was lying every where very deep. 

 Next night we were wiser, and reduced our tent to the smallest 

 dimensions. 



" 29th. Early in the morning we resumed our search. I had a 

 chronometer with me, but as we never saw the sun, nor even a 

 star, I should have been as well without it. We pulled and 

 sailed towards the northernmost corner first, but found no 

 opening, and went thence to the eastward, with a strong and 

 favourable breeze. Passing Still-hope Point I felt sure of 

 finding a passage, for before me were the tops of mountains 

 seen from the Otway Water. I was, however, deceived, the 

 gulf ended in two bights, or inlets, unconnected with other 

 waters : so we returned to Still-hope Point and hauled up the 

 boat. The night passed very well, in a snug place among 

 trees, although the snow was falling thickly. Early next morn- 

 ing we left the shore, having employed a quarter of an hour in 

 clearing the snow out of our boat. When we started, it snowed 

 fast but without wind, and we steered by compass for the Sphinx. 

 I sketched what I could see of the south side of this gulf, but 

 did not consider it worth delaying longer, in such weather, for 

 so unimportant a place, while anxious that the Beagle should 

 reach Childe before her provisions were expended, and that I 

 should fall in with the Adelaide before leaving the Strait. 

 If ever a minute survey is made of this gulf, it should be 

 after all others have been examined, as it is utterly useless. 

 The temperature of the water within it we found to be 40° 

 Fahr. We landed on St. Anne'^s Island, having run near thirty 

 miles since the morning, and thence we sailed across the Strait, 

 reached His Majesty's little vessel, and found that the Adelaide 

 had not yet passed by. All looked cold and wintry, every thing 

 being covered with snow ; and our sails were hard frozen, for 

 the first time. 



"July 1st. After beating loose the sails, we stood out in the ship 

 to meet the Adelaide, which was seen coming towards us. I went 

 on board, and found every one well. They too, in attempting 

 to anchor olF Carlos Island, had, like ourselves, been driven 



