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Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882

"The Voyage of the Beagle"

FUEGIAN BASKET AND BONE WEAPONS.)
(PLATE 49. FALSE HORN, CAPE HORN.)
JANUARY 15, 1833.
The "Beagle" anchored in Goeree Roads. Captain Fitz Roy having
resolved to settle the Fuegians, according to their wishes, in
Ponsonby Sound, four boats were equipped to carry them there
through the Beagle Channel. This channel, which was discovered by
Captain Fitz Roy during the last voyage, is a most remarkable
feature in the geography of this, or indeed of any other country:
it may be compared to the valley of Loch Ness in Scotland, with its
chain of lakes and friths. It is about one hundred and twenty miles
long, with an average breadth, not subject to any very great
variation, of about two miles; and is throughout the greater part
so perfectly straight, that the view, bounded on each side by a
line of mountains, gradually becomes indistinct in the long
distance. It crosses the southern part of Tierra del Fuego in an
east and west line, and in the middle is joined at right angles on
the south side by an irregular channel, which has been called
Ponsonby Sound. This is the residence of Jemmy Button's tribe and
family.
JANUARY 19, 1833.
Three whale-boats and the yawl, with a party of twenty-eight,
started under the command of Captain Fitz Roy.


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