pitched our tents of obſervation was then at the diſtance of about 10,000 toiſes to the weſtward.
The mercury in the barometer having been gradually falling for the ſpace of four and twenty hours, remained ſtationary at 27½ inches, though the ſky appeared ſtill very clear. We were not without ſome uneaſineſs, as ſo great a variation in the barometer had never failed during our ſtay in the harbour to be followed by violent winds. Probably ſuch blew at a diſtance, but we experienced none of their effects. During the night we ſaw a fire to the weſt, kindled by the natives.
17th. The current having become favourable about nine in the morning, we weighed anchor with a northerly breeze, and plied to the windward.
We were near enough to the coaſt to be able to perceive at the entrance of the ſtrait a ſort of free-ſtone, ſimilar to that found in port Dentrecaſteaux.
The ſnows had increaſed prodigiouſly upon the ſummits of the high mountains, during the preceding night.
The mercury in the barometer had ſunk to 27 inches 4 4-10th lines, though the breeze from the north ſtill continued ſlight.
It was night when we entered the ſtrait to
