i832.] BOTOFOGO BAY. 



211 



tion of Brazils. At Bahia the pegmatite and gneiss in beds 

 had the same direction, as observed by Humboldt, prevailing 

 over Columbia, distant 1300 miles — is it not wonderful ? 

 Monte Video will be for a long time my direction. I hope 

 you will write again to me, there is nobody from whom I like 

 receiving advice so much as from you. . . . Excuse this 

 almost unintelligible letter, and believe me, my dear Henslow, 

 with the warmest feelings of respect and friendship, 



Yours affectionately, 



Chas. Darwin. 



C. Darwin to J. M. Herbert. 



Botofogo Bay, Rio de Janeiro, 



June 1832. 



My dear old Herbert, 



Your letter arrived here when I had given up all hopes of 

 receiving another, it gave me, therefore, an additional degree 

 of pleasure. At such an interval of time and space one does 

 learn to feel truly obliged to those who do not forget one. 

 The memory when recalling scenes past by, affords to us 

 exiles one of the greatest pleasures. Often and often whilst 

 wandering amongst these hills do I think of Barmouth, and, I 

 may add, as often wish for such a companion. What a con- 

 trast does a walk in these two places afford ; here abrupt and 

 stony peaks are to the very summit enclosed by luxuriant 

 woods ; the whole surface of the country, excepting where 

 cleared by man, is one impenetrable forest. How different 

 from Wales, with its sloping hills covered with turf, and its 

 open valleys. I was not previously aware how intimately 

 what may be called the moral part is connected with the 

 enjoyment of scenery. I mean such ideas, as the history of 

 the country, the utility of the produce, and more especially 

 the happiness of the people living with them. Change the 

 English labourer into a poor slave, working for another, and 

 you will hardly recognise the same view. I am sure you will 

 be glad to hear how very well every part (Heaven forefend. 



