WRECK OF THE CHALLENGER. 



109 



tions, and along the smallest line or bough of a 

 tree. Covered mole buttons seemed greatly to 

 attract them, and one night would suffice them 

 to run off with any number. In our inquiries 

 of the natives, and others around us, as to the 

 cause of such myriads of mice, we were told 

 that the Indians supposed it originated from the 

 effects of the late earthquake 5 having a tradition 

 of a similar result on a former convulsion of the 

 earth. Our supplies of potatoes and poultry were 

 become scanty, from having consumed all that 

 the immediate neighbourhood could furnish ; it 

 was become necessary to send to a distance for 

 what could be collected. Don Bernardino pro- 

 cured for us two bullocks. The produce of our 

 guns often formed a large part of our dinner : we 

 were quite safe from want, having a good supply 

 of salt beef and pork ; our bread was, however, 

 almost consumed, and we could only serve out 

 to all one quarter of the daily allowance (a 

 quarter of a pound). This shortly failed us, and 

 potatoes became the substitute. 



Junel^, — The wind southerly, and fine weather. 

 The crew airing clothing and beds, completing 

 our pier, cutting wood for the cooks, and clearing 

 the camp. A party of the officers shot over the 



