Tierradel Fuego

Tierra del Fuego, a group of large and small islands at the southern extremity of South America, in latitude 54° S., separated from the mainland by the Strait of Magellan, and terminating in Cape Horn. Tierra del Fuego, the chief Island, belongs to Chili and Argentina, Staten Island to Argentina, and the remainder to Chili. The coasts are abrupt and deeply indented, but most of the fiords are obstructed by bars. The country is mountainous, rising to a height of 7,000 feet, the snow-line being at 4,000 feet; but there are some fertile valleys. There are no rivers of importance. A Jesuit mission possesses 20,000 sheep, and 6,000 head of cattle. There are some forests, and English flowers will grow. The native animals are few, but among the animals introduced are some half=wild dogs. Birds are plentiful, but seals and sea-lions are becoming scarce. The rocks are volcanic, and the level of the land is rising fast, Some gold and coal are found. There are three varieties of race: the Onas, who are tall, and the Yaghans and Alakalufs, who are short.