[11] Shelley, Lines on Mt. Blanc.
[12] I have lately heard that Capt. Sulivan, R.N., has found numerous
fossil bones, embedded in regular strata, on the banks of the R.
Gallegos, in lat. 51 degs. 4'. Some of the bones are large; others are
small, and appear to have belonged to an armadillo. This is a most
interesting and important discovery.
[13] See the excellent remarks on this subject by Mr. Lyell, in his
Principles of Geology.
CHAPTER IX
SANTA CRUZ, PATAGONIA, AND THE FALKLAND ISLANDS
Santa Cruz--Expedition up the River--Indians--Immense Streams of
Basaltic Lava--Fragments not transported by the River--Excavations of
the Valley--Condor, Habits of--Cordillera--Erratic Boulders of great
size--Indian Relics--Return to the Ship--Falkland Islands--Wild
Horses, Cattle, Rabbits--Wolf-like Fox--Fire made of Bones--Manner of
Hunting Wild Cattle--Geology--Streams of Stones--Scenes of
Violence--Penguins--Geese--Eggs of Doris--Compound Animals.
APRIL 13, 1834.--The Beagle anchored within the mouth of the Santa
Cruz. This river is situated about sixty miles south of Port St.
Julian. During the last voyage Captain Stokes proceeded thirty miles
up it, but then, from the want of provisions, was obliged to return.
Excepting what was discovered at that time, scarcely anything was known
about this large river. Captain Fitz Roy now determined to follow its
course as far as time would allow. On the 18th three whale-boats
started, carrying three weeks' provisions; and the party consisted of
twenty-five souls--a force which would have been sufficient to have
defied a host of Indians. With a strong flood-tide and a fine day we
made a good run, soon drank some of the fresh water, and were at night
nearly above the tidal influence.
The river here assumed a size and appearance which, even at the highest
167