108 



A DIARY OF THE 



impassable state of the country at this season of 

 the year lying between us and Concep9ion, as 

 well as Santiago ; and hence a difficulty of com- 

 munication with those to whom we might look 

 for succour. At noon, a party of officers crossed 

 the river in a balsa, which had been brought by 

 the consul, with the hope of its being useful to 

 us. They shot over the country north of us with 

 tolerable success. Amongst the occupations for 

 the crew, was the construction of a pier or wharf 

 at the entrance of the river, by filling up the 

 space between some scattered rocks ; and in- 

 tended to facilitate our embarkation, whenever 

 that wished-for event might occur. The look- 

 out hill was kept constantly occupied, and re- 

 ports made regularly from it by the midshipmen 

 stationed there. The mice continued most trou- 

 blesome : the little bread we had left decreased 

 every night from their visits, as well as our 

 supply of sugar and peas ; nor did the tents or 

 clothing escape. It was difficult to get sleep at 

 night in consequence of their rambles. No 

 plan could prevent their getting into our beds, 

 not even when raised on stakes, or in a cot slung 

 off the ground. Their feet were formed like a 

 lizard's, and enabled them to climb in all direc- 



