The weather continued bad: but this did not much signify, for the surface of the land in all these islands is all but impassable.

The coast is so very rugged that to attempt to walk in that direction requires continued scrambling up and down over the sharp rocks of mica-slate; and as for the woods, our faces, hands, and shin-bones all bore witness to the maltreatment we received, in merely attempting to penetrate their forbidden recesses.
DECEMBER 18, 1834.
We stood out to sea.

On the 20th we bade farewell to the south, and with a fair wind turned the ship's head northward.

From Cape Tres Montes we sailed pleasantly along the lofty weather-beaten coast, which is remarkable for the bold outline of its hills, and the thick covering of forest even on the almost precipitous flanks.

The next day a harbour was discovered, which on this dangerous coast might be of great service to a distressed vessel.