hydrographical works of that nation. The strong prevailing currents in the straits, running from the west, renders it unlikely they will ever be frequented, except by vessels on sealing voyages. On the subject of the passage round Cape Horn into the Pacific, the opinion of Lord Anson is decidedly confirmed by modern navigators, with the exception of his recommendation not to pass through the Straits of Le Maire. He says, that ‘all ships bound to the South Seas, instead of passing through the Straits of Le Maire, should constantly pass by the eastward of Staten Land, and should be invariably bent on running as far as the latitude of 61° or 62° south, before they endeavour to stand to the westward; and ought then to make sure of a sufficient westing in or about that latitude, before commencing a northern course.’ This is now proved to be precisely correct in all but one point, which is, that vessels should pass through the Straits of Le Maire for the following reasons, and we trust our readers will excuse us if we use a little nautical phraseology in the explanation of so important a point.
“It is well known that westerly and south-westerly winds are the most prevalent in this part of the world; a vessel, therefore, by keeping as close to the coast as is proper, has the advantage of being considerably to the westward, and consequently to windward, when she meets with the westerly winds on opening the cape, and can therefore stand down to the southward ready to take advantage of a slant to the northward, which another vessel passing to the eastward of Staten Land could not do.
“By the expedition under the command of Captain King, the numerous creeks and inlets of the south-west coast have been all examined to their termination, which has led to the discovery of the Otway (named, we presume, after the gallant and worthy admiral. Sir Robert) and Skyring waters; two very extensive salt-water lakes which nearly intersect the continent. The innermost parts of the various creeks were found to extend into valleys with glaciers forming magnificent terminations to the water. Much of the country about the Gulf of Penas is low and flat, and in most parts little better than mere bog.
“The Beagle being detached on the examination of the Islands of Tierra del Fuego, and to ascertain the position of Cape Horn, Captain (Robert) FitzRoy with Lieutenant (James) Kemp, one of his officers, visited the celebrated promontory, of sonorous name, and erected a pile of stones, twelve feet high on it. The observations for the latitude differed very little from those made by the Spaniards.
“The vessels have brought home various specimens, carefully preserved, of the animals, minerals, and plants, of the districts which they have visited, and which will prove an interesting addition to our South American collections. Captain Fitzroy has also brought to England two men, with a boy and a girl, natives of Tierra del Fuego, whom he proposes, after having them instructed in various matters which may tend to the civilization of their country, to send back again. These people were