54 



A DIARY OF THE 



At the camp, in the absence of washing appara- 

 tus, it became the scene of each morning's ablu- 

 tion ; and was on every account of inestimable 

 value to us, for it was of excellent quality. A 

 walk on the banks of the little stream could be 

 extended to three or four miles, and yet con- 

 tinuing in sight of our camp, from the flatness 

 of the ground. Duck and widgeon constantly 

 sprang up from under the banks, which were 

 towards the hills, covered with myrtles, rushes, 

 r and a gigantic weed peculiar to the marshes of 

 that part of Chili. 



On the north side of the stream the officers 

 had, as duty permitted them, gone out with their 

 guns, and seldom returned without a supply of 

 partridges and wild ducks, excellent in flavour, 

 and most acceptable to our numerous mess, which 

 included the officers of all grades, our excellent 

 shipmate, Mr. Sarjeant, being the caterer, and 

 fulfilling, under circumstances, so laborious and 

 troublesome this duty, in a manner deserving the 

 hearty thanks of his messmates. Anxious on 

 every account to advance the necessary and 

 evident object of moving to the banks of the 

 Rio Leubu, and desirous of ascertaining the 

 nature of that spot by an eyewitness of our own. 



