Magellan
STRAIT OF, a sea-passage separating South America on the S. from Tierra del Fuego; length 375 miles, breadth from 2½ to 17 miles. It was discovered by Magellan in 1520, and first thoroughly explored by King and Fitzroy in the "Adventure" and "Beagle" (1826-1836). (1826-1836). The wider E. half is by level, gently-rolling grassy bordered by plains. The narrower W. half is shut in by steep, wooded mountains; the current runs strong through it, and the W. winds are a great hindrance to sailing vessels. There are several fine harbors along this part of the strait.
MAGENTA (mä-jen'tä), an Italian town, 18 miles W. of Milan. Here, on June 4, 1859, 55,000 French and Sardinians defeated 75,000 Austrians, the latter losing 10,000 (besides 7,000 prisoners), and the allies only 4,000. For this victory Macmahon received his dukedom.