9 ° 
SPENCER’S JOURNAL 
station was taken over by Menendez, who spent ;£ 15,00c) 1 
on it, fencing, &c. Old bridge still remaining and service¬ 
able, though roadway of logs much in need of repair and 
side rails broken down in one or two parts. Very substan¬ 
tially built. Water close up to planking at usual high tide, 
and water over it at times. After, Menendez left an Italian 
in charge for some time. He fenced in part of the old grave¬ 
yard, some 36 graves. Ken says there were about 70 in all, 
between 1906 and 1917, when the Mission was given up. 
Round two of graves, a little picket fence, but all others 
destroyed, though pickets still lying around. Body once dug 
up, but it was all decomposed, due to rotting by water which 
soaks down from the hill behind the station. Site ought to 
be retained as relic of old Yaghan tribe now nearly extinct. 
Ken says that 70 or thereabouts still remain, most at Mussel 
Point, where there is a Reserve. Two or three families like 
Domingo’s live away from the rest, preferring their old 
nomad independent life. They live by fishing, seal, &c., 
and selling some few otter skins. 
June J5, Saturday . Rain during night, and snow during 
day. Three woodpeckers close to house. Skinning logger- 
head duck; very greasy. Wings very small and of no use for 
flight, but strong, and act as paddles. Evening writing. 
June i6> Sunday . Gusty night at intervals, and snow; very 
dark morning, especially across the Sound to Hoste Island, 
which for the greater part of the time was shrouded in deep 
purple-black darkness. On the hill near the house small 
group of beech trees, very picturesque. Snow from north¬ 
west had whitened trunks that stood out against dull grey 
clouds shading down into yellowish just above the white hills. 
Foliage all russet-brown, and very delicate and Japanese in 
form. Trunks as white as those of Whitewash Gums of 
Central Australia. 
1 00 : Miss Hamilton’s diary. 
