266 THE VOYAGE. ^TAT. 2/. [1836. 



I little thought to have put my foot on South American 

 coast again. It has been almost painful to find how much good 

 enthusiasm has been evaporated during the last four years. I 

 can now walk soberly through a Brazilian forest ; not but what it 

 is exquisitely beautiful, but now, instead of seeking for splendid 

 contrasts, I compare the stately mango trees with the horse- 

 chestnuts of England. Although this zigzag has lost us at 

 least a fortnight, in some respects I am glad of it. I think I 

 shall be able to carry away one vivid picture of inter-tropical 

 scenery. We go from hence to the Cape de Verds ; that is, if 

 the winds or the Equatorial calms will allow us. I have some 

 faint hopes that a steady foul wind might induce the Captain 

 to proceed direct to the Azores. For \vhich most untoward 

 event I heartily pray. 



Both your letters were full of good news ; especially the 

 expressions which you tell me Professor Sedgwick used about 

 my collections. I confess they are deeply gratifying I trust 

 one part at least will turn out true, and that I shall act as I 

 now think as a man who dares to waste one hour of time has 

 not discovered the value of life. Professor Sedgwick men- 

 tioning my name at all gives me hopes that he will assist me 

 with his advice, of which, in my geological questions, I stand 

 much in need. It is useless to tell you from the shameful 

 state of this scribble that I am writing against time, having 

 been out all morning, and now there are some strangers on 

 board to whom I must go down and talk civility. Moreover, 

 as this letter goes by a foreign ship, it is doubtful whether it 

 will ever arrive. Farewell, my very dear Susan and all of you. 

 Good-bye, 



C. DARWIN. 



