May 1829. melville sound—mount skyring. 



253 



"May 11th. We remained at the above-mentioned anchorage; 

 and while Lieutenant Skyring was examining a cluster of islands 

 in the vicinity, I obtained observations for the latitude and 

 longitude ; and as it was the first fine day, indeed the only 

 one since entering this channel in which we had a fair propor- 

 tion of sunshine, it was taken advantage of to dry and air all 

 our clothes and bedding, and clean out the vessel thoroughly. 



" The next anchorage we took, was in a cove just large 

 enough to hold the schooner, at the entrance of Dyneley Sound, 

 on the north shore. In crossing over, we had a fine view of 

 Mount Sarmiento ; and looking to seaward, from the hill over 

 this cove, the Tussac, and the Fury Rocks, at the entrance of 

 Melville Sound, which are much resorted to by sealers, were 

 clearly distinguishable. 



" During our stay here, until May 15th, the neighbouring 

 coast was examined, whenever the weather permitted. We 

 also communicated with several canoes full of Indians, but 

 gained no additional information respecting the habits of the 

 natives. 



" The next start carried us through the islands of Melville 

 Sound, to an anchorage in a small cove, at the N.E. end of the 

 largest of the Magill Islands, upon which is Mount Skyring. 

 Having resolved to ascend to the top, as it offered so com- 

 manding a view, and was so centrally situated, we remained 

 for that purpose." The weather, for several days, was very un- 

 favourable, and it was not until the 21st, that there was any 

 reasonable prospect of obtaining a view from the summit ; when 

 Lieutenant Skyring and Mr. Kirke had a most laborious ex- 

 cursion, and the latter was nearly frost-bitten in ascending the 

 mountain ; but they were fully recompensed for the trouble 

 and difficulty they had experienced. 



Lieutenant Skyring says : — 



" We gained the summit after three hour''s hard travelling. 

 During the last five hundred feet of ascent, the mountain was 

 almost precipitous, and we had the utmost difficulty in passing 

 the instruments from hand to hand. Its formation is remark- 

 able, although, I believe, the same structure exists throughout 

 the hills around. The base is a coarse granite, but this solid 



