1831.] VISIT TO PLYMOUTH. 211 



two main-springs, two sere-springs, four nipples or plugs I 

 mean one for each barrel, except nipples, of which there must 

 be two for each, all of excellent quality, and set about them 

 immediately ; tell Edward to make inquiries about prices. I 

 go on Sunday per packet to Plymouth, shall stay one or two 

 days, then return, and hope to find a letter from you ; a few 

 days in London ; then Cambridge, Shrewsbury, London, Ply- 

 mouth, Madeira, is my route. It is a great bore my writing 

 so much about the Coronation ; I could fill another sheet. 

 I have just been with Captain King, Fitz-Roy's senior officer 

 last expedition ; he thinks that the expedition will suit me. 

 Unasked, he said Fitz-Roy's temper was perfect. He sends 

 his own son with him as midshipman. The key of my 

 microscope was forgotten ; it is of no consequence. Love 

 to all. 



CHAS. DARWIN. 



C. Darwin to W. D. Fox. 



17 Spring Gardens (and here I shall remain till I start) 



[September 19, 1831]. 

 MY DEAR FOX, 



I returned from my expedition to see the Beagle at 

 Plymouth on Saturday, and found your most welcome letter 

 on my table. It is quite ridiculous what a very long period 

 these last twenty days have appeared to me, certainly much 

 more than as many weeks on ordinary occasions ; this will 

 account for my not recollecting how much I told you of my 

 plans. 



***** 



But on the whole it is a grand and fortunate opportunity ; 

 there will be so many things to interest me fine scenery and 

 an endless occupation and amusement in the different branches 

 of Natural History ; then again navigation and meteorology 

 will amuse me on the voyage, joined to the grand requisite of 



VOL. I. Q 



