WRECK OF THE CHALLENGER. 1^9 



was the first clear morning we had witnessed for 

 many days, and it cheered us to see once again 

 the sunshine. Some more turnip-tops were 

 gathered for our dinner to-day on the hills 5 this, 

 though apparently trifling, was in our situation 

 very acceptable. Discharged arms as usual at 

 sunset, and reloaded for the night. 



An altitude obtained to-day on the sand at 

 the entrance of the Leubu gave us a latitude of 

 37° 36' S., which proved to be many miles 

 north of our situation as shown on the old 

 Spanish chart. A tolerable haul of fish was got 

 outside the river. The crew busily employed in 

 airing and drying their clothes and bedding, and 

 in holding themselves prepared at any moment 

 to embark ; orders to that effect having been 

 given for some days past, as well as preparations 

 made for moving our baggage from the camp to 

 the pier. The necessity of separating our sick 

 from their companions, who were still in health, 

 caused us to set about erecting a large hut in 

 imitation of that of the Indians, endeavouring, if 

 possible, to thatch it in a similar manner with 

 the common rushes that grow in great abun- 

 dance very near us, and thus afford to the sick 

 shelter from the rains. To this end the united 



K 



