•• with Observations on its Importance^ 375 
farther delay, consistently with his duty as master of the brig, he 
shaped his course westerly oh his voyage. 
The weather at daybreak next day becoming more settled, he 
was surprised at descrying another headland, B, far higher than 
any yet seen bearing E. N. E. distance 10 leagues. This point 
he named Smith’s Cape : and the weather being remarkably clear 
and fine, he proved it by observation to lie in latitude 53'S. ; 
longitude 63° 40' W. From Smith’s Cape, the land appeared 
to extend in a south-westerly direction; but however eager he was 
to prosecute his search, he concluded that he had fully attain- 
ed his object, having proved the existence of the coast for the 
distance of 250 miles. He therefore shaped his course to the 
northward ; and in the month of November reached the Port 
of Valparaiso, having delayed the vessel six weeks on the voy- 
age, for the mere purpose of prosecuting this interesting object 
of pursuit. I have omitted to mention, that during a visit on 
shore at ShirefTs Cove, independent of penguins and various 
sea-fowls, abundance of wild land fowls and fresh water ducks 
were observed, which were so little shy, that they could be 
approached very close before they would stir. The existence 
of these birds augurs well for the adaptation of the place for the 
habitation of man. The harbour, too, offered an excellent an- 
chorage ; it was well protected in all points, but one very small 
angle,— -the island affording a good shelter to the mouth ; from 
this cause, there appeared but very little surf, and the shore 
seemed very bold. One may judge of the sensation produced 
in the breast of an Englishman on hearing the relation of Mr 
Smith ; every one became struck with the advantages which a 
British settlement would offer, not only to our whalefisheries, 
but to our commercial interests in this part of the globe. Until 
the political arrangements of these countries (the Spanish colonies) 
become in some degree settled, the consequences resulting from 
the animosities that may possibly arise between the many contend- 
ing parties must necessarily be feared. Those who were here 
during the affair at Cancharayada, well know the value of any 
thing like a British settlement, however miserable, to retire to. 
On the arrival of the Williams in November last, there was a 
general and simultaneous feeling among the English merchants. 
