Some Account of the Falkland Islands, from a Six Months' Residence in 1838 and 1839

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1840. Excerpt: ... SOME ACCOUNT OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS. The 'Arrow' cutter was fitted out by order of the Admiralty, for the purpose of surveying the Falkland Islands, in the year 1838, under the command of IK J. Sulivan, Esq., myself, as first or senior mate, second in command. It seems the desire of the Admiralty was, that not only should the Falkland Islands be accurately surveyed, but that we should take out various useful seeds, and implements of agriculture, and various things conducive to the health and comfort of the few people there. As I considered they might also be useful, I procured a male and female blood-hound of the New Forest breed. Our vessel, though small, being only 163 tons, was admirably adapted both in form and rig, and every thing requisite for such a voyage, and the care, skill, and admirable management, that is always displayed in every department of the naval service in this country, enabled us to set out with every requisite accompaniment for our comfort and safety, and for the accomplishment of the service for which we were intended. On the 9th July we sailed finally from Falmouth, and on the following day lost sight of Old England, cheered on by the birth of ten little blood-hounds, which we considered a good omen of our future success. After a few days of stormy and adverse winds in the far-famed Bay of Biscay, we found a favourable breeze which steadily conducted us into the N.E. trade wind, which at this time of year is generally found at 30 N. lat. On the 24th we passed Madeira, threading the Salvages the following day; and the next morning anchoring off Santa Cruz, at Teneriffe, where we immediately commenced watering, and refreshed ourselves with the delicious fruits of that island. At three o'clock the same day, after stowing away sundr...