250 THE VOYAGE. JETAT. 2$. [ l8 34- 



lately done ; the prospect before me is full of sunshine, fine 

 weather, glorious scenery, the geology of the Andes, plains- 

 abounding with organic remains (which perhaps I may have 

 the good luck to catch in the very act of moving), and lastly, 

 an ocean, its shores abounding with life, so that, if nothing 

 unforeseen happens, I will stick to the voyage, although for 

 what I can see this may last till we return a fine set of white- 

 headed old gentlemen. I have to thank you most cordially 

 for sending me the books. I am now reading the Oxford 

 1 Report ; ' * the whole account of your proceedings is most 

 glorious ; you remaining in England cannot well imagine 

 how excessively interesting I find the reports. I am sure 

 from my own thrilling sensations when reading them, that 

 they cannot fail to have an excellent effect upon all those 

 residing in distant colonies, and who have little opportunity 

 of seeing the periodicals. My hammer has flown with re- 

 doubled force on the devoted blocks ; as I thought over 

 the eloquence of the Cambridge President, I hit harder 

 and harder blows. I hope to give my arms strength for the 

 Cordilleras. You will send me through Capt. Beaufort a copy 

 of the Cambridge ' Report.' 



I have forgotten to mention that for some time past, and 

 for the future, I will put a pencil cross on the pill-boxes con- 

 taining insects, as these alone will require being kept par- 

 ticularly dry ; it may perhaps save you some trouble. When 

 this letter will go I do not know, as this little seat of discord 

 has lately been embroiled by a dreadful scene of murder, and 

 at present there are more prisoners than inhabitants. If a 

 merchant vessel is chartered to take them to Rio, I will send 

 some specimens (especially my few plants and seeds). Re- 

 member me to all my Cambridge friends. I love and treasure 

 up every recollection of dear old Cambridge. I am much 



* The second meeting of the Oxford in 1832, the following year 

 British Association was held at it was at Cambridge. 



