we observed lying off Garden Island three canoes, which presently put off to us, each one containing a Fuegian and his family, more or less numerous. In each there were two women and children, in one an infant at the breast, in another a poor decrepit old man. Whilst scarcely discernible with the naked eye, we heard their stentorian voices, shouting 'Yammer schooner' [Give me]:—amazing indeed is the power of their voice. of their voice. As they severally hove in sight, they gesticulated and shouted with every wild and remarkable expression, one man in particular being very garrulous, and full of vivacity. The impression they made on my mind, as they became distinctly seen, first by the telescope and afterwards by the naked eye, is one which can never be effaced. It seemed incredible they could be human beings. You observed a lop-sided strange uncouth thing on the water, not to be called a boat, and not realising our ideas of a canoe, but so deep, that just the heads of the Fuegians could be seen in it. As these dark masses of hair, like so many mops, drew nearer, we were able to discern the features, which were, indeed, surprising to us. On a nearer inspection, however, I could trace in many of them, indeed I may say in all, the lineaments of the noblest humanity, and features expressive of benevolence and generosity, though, as it were, buried deep in deplorable ignorance and abject want. One woman had a remarkably prepossessing countenance, very open and cheerful; so also

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had one of the men, and he often in our after intercourse laughed heartily. I had taken some comfort to my mind, from the favourable aspect which the islands around us, particularly Picton and Garden Islands, presented; but now my heart swelled with emotion, full of pleasure and satisfaction that our errand was for the purpose of imparting benefits so great and so much needed to these poor creatures. I hailed the prospect with a degree of rapture."

Such was the cheerful spirit with which Mr Williams surveyed the field of his destined labours. But he made its acquaintance under great advantages. Being December, it was the Antarctic midsummer; and, like the climate, the natives wore their best faces. They wanted food and trinkets from the strangers; and as long as their visitors remained on ship-board they were safe from tricks and violence.-But, before proceeding with the narrative, it may be well to introduce the reader to the place and the people. We shall thus better understand how arduous was the task which these pious pilgrims had undertaken, and shall be able to sympathise more fully in the great fight of afflictions which they were soon to pass through.

G

CHAPTER VI.

Fuegia.

TH' eternal Monarch from on high
Cast on the sons of earth his eye,
If haply some he yet might see
True to their God, from error free.

He look'd; but ah! not one could find
To virtue's Heaven-taught rules inclined;
Each, led from wisdom's path astray,
Pursues the tenor of his way.

Psalm liii. 2, 3.—Merrick.

What renders it much more difficult to convey divine truths to the understandings of these Indians, is, that there seems to be no foundation in their minds to begin upon. Besides, their inconvenient situations, savage manners, and unhappy method of living, have been an unspeakable difficulty and discouragement to me in my work. — David Brainerd.