Page 49

The tussac grass, a gigantic sedgy grass, having blades 7 foot in length and 3/4” in breath, was formally abundant on the masses, but since the importation of cattle, has disappeared, except where fenced, and on the detached islands. Anti sevalutic plants are very plentiful in a wild state, such as celery, savory grass, sorrel, etc. There are also cranberries and what the settlers call strawberries, a small red fruit growing like a strawberry but in appearance and taste more like a half ripe black berry. A little plant which grows like a heath in many parts of the island, has long been known and used as a tea plant, but it has a peculiar effect at first and on some people, which is of no consequence as it soon goes off. Potatoes and other vegetables are grown, but are not usually plentiful. Animals increase here and rapidly, and the quality of their hides and furs improve. It must be remembered that cattle are no longer wild, but are the property of some owner, and there is a penalty for shooting them. Horses, pigs, cattle, hares, rabbits, swipe, geese and deck are plentiful; sheep have been introduced, and found to do exceedingly well. Fish swarm in all the harbors, and mussels and clams are abundant. Should any accident happened a vessel doubling Cape Horn obliging her to make for the nearest port, at which she could obtain supplies, she would find all she requires at the Falkland Islands. Water found in pools about the Island should be avoided for drinking purposes. It has caused loss of life amongst those out on shooting excursions. Wind is the principal evil at the Falklands. It would be difficult to find a region more exposed to storms, both in summer and winter. At times the winds are very violent – seldom at rest while the sun is above the horizon. A calm day is an extraordinary event during the summer months. Generally speaking the nights are less windy than the days: but neither by night or day are the islands exempt from any very sudden and…..

Con’t page 50