Page:A Voyage of Discovery and Research in the Southern and Antarctic Regions Vol 2.djvu/341



our stay in St. Martin's Cove, we had frequent visits from the natives: they came in small parties, and always took up their quarters in the wigwam at the head of the Cove, which seemed to be a kind of joint property. It was a most miserable shelter from the inclement weather of this period of the year; but so inured to it are these people, that it was not unusual to see them walking knee-deep in the snow on some of the bitterest days, without any covering beyond a small otter skin over the shoulders, reaching about half way down the back.

The Fuegians are truly described as the most abject and miserable race of human beings. The Esquimaux of the northern regions are as far superior to them in intelligence and civilization as are the New Zealanders of the southern hemisphere; and even the barbarous inhabitants of the interior of Australasia live in a state of comparative comfort.

Overawed by our superior numbers, they were kept in good order, with the exception of a few trifling instances of petty theft. They are admirable mimics, and were fond of the company of our people, singing and dancing with them, and entering into every kind of fun, for which seamen are so famous; and it was both amusing and