The Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii) 1840-1841, 1841-04-17


continue falling for any considerable time
and as the evaporation is rapid. in consc-
qucucc OF so much wind, there are no un-
wholesome exhibitions indeed the eli
mate is exceedingly healthy, and 10 dis
ease whatever has been hitherto contract
ed. Excellent harbors easy of access. af-
iording good shelter, with the very best
hoding-ground, abound among these is
lands, and, with due care, offer ample pro-
lection from the frequent gales. In some
places. a great extent of clay is covered
by ii layer of very solid peat, varying in
depth from two to ten feet. The solidity
of this peat is surprising; it burns well,
and is an excellen, substitute for other
fuel. By the French, and afterwards by
the Spanish Colonlsts, number of black
cattle, horses, pigs, and rabbits, were turn
ed loose upon East Falkland and by
considerate persons, engaged in whale or
seal fishery, both goats and pigs have been
left upon smaller islands near the West
Falkland. These animals have multi
piled exceeding ~; and, although they
have been killed indscrimna'clv bv the
crews of vessels, as well as by the settlers.
there are still many thousand head of cat
tlc, and some thousand horses, besides
drovcs of pigs, perfectly wild upon the
eastern large island: while upon Carcass
Island, Saunders Island. and others, there
are numbers of goats and pigs. The size
and fairness of the wild cattle, is clear
proof that the country is adapted for sra-
ling. OF twenty wild bulls which were
killed during one excursion of the settlers.
shortly before the BeagIe's arrival, the av-
erage weight of each hide was above sew
enty, and few weighed eighty pounds.
Some of these animals are SO fat and
heavy. that the Guachos say they cannot
drive them across the marshy grounds
which are passed by other cattle, as well
as by men on horseback. 1t has also been
ascertained that meat takes salt remarka-
bly, well in that climate and as salt of
excellent quality, as well as saltpetre, a
bounds on the coast Of Patagonia, there
is no reason why large quantities of salt
meat and salt fish should not be prepared
there, and exported to the Brazils, to the
East, TO the Chiles, and Peru, besides sup
plying number of ships which would
touch there. A Colony planted near Port
William, or at Port Louis. with small
establishment to supply the wants of ship
ping at Port William, could not fail to
prosper, if a free port were offered there
to ships of all nations. Homeward bound
ships from Our rapidly growing colonies
IN Australia, as well as those from Next
co, Peru, and Chile are often in want of
a port to which they can resort about the
middle of their voyage. The River Plata
IS out of the way and dangerous Santa
Catharna is almost as much out of the
way, and deficient in many articles of
supply. Rio de Janeiro and Bahia are
also as much out of the line, and very ey-
pensive, though they are often resorted
to St. Helena is too far east, scantily
supplied, and more expensive than the
Brazlls. But almost every one of those
ships sight the eastern end Of the Falk- |
lands as they pass by, to correct and ver-
Ily their longitude; and how very little
delay then would they experience if the
course were shaped so as to pass little
nearer Port William, and there heave-to
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