WRECK OF THE CHALLENGER. 1J9 



great misery, dirt, and smoke, with mud out- 

 side their hut a foot deep. A little ground 

 maize, some shell fish, or potatoes, appeared 

 to form their food. Several small patches of 

 ground were cleared and tilled by them for 

 raising grain and potatoes ; but during our stay 

 little attention was paid to these objects. In^ 

 dolence is certainly allied to the character of the 

 Indian. The old proprietor was never met 

 without receiving from him the friendly sen- 

 tence of salutation of Mai, mai;" and in 

 his manner, he appeared to have a great respect 

 towards us. Our tents felt the gale very much, 

 and the rain penetrated on all sides. The bay 

 was also rough and unquiet, with a good deal of 

 surf breaking on the beach. The evening was 

 cloudy, with rain. At 11 30' p. m. we were joy- 

 fully surprised by a hail from the opposite bank 

 of the river in our own language, which elated all 

 with a hope, that the time had now arrived when 

 we might look for the means of at length aban- 

 doning our tedious and comfortless encampment. 

 The Dingy was immediately launched, and 

 passed over to the north side, and returned with 

 Captain Fitzroy, of his Majesty's sloop Beagle, 

 a German pilot, a servant, and their guide. 



I 4 



