1836.] BAHIA. 237 



them. The desert, volcanic rocks, and wild sea of Ascension, 

 as soon as I knew there was news from home, suddenly wore 

 a pleasing aspect, and I set to work with a good-will at my 

 old work of Geology. You would be surprised to know how 

 entirely the pleasure in arriving at a new place depends on 

 letters. We only stayed four days at Ascension, and then 

 made a very good passage to Bahia. 



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 which 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. 



