Early Years 



the Beagle under the command of Captain Fitz-Eoy. This, 

 in all probability, was beneficial to one of his temperament 

 — unaccustomed to be greatly restricted by outward circum- 

 stances or conditions, though never flagrantly (or, perhaps, 

 consciously) going against them. The same applies in a 

 measure to Wallace, who, on more than one occasion, con- 

 fessed his tendency to a feeling of semi-idleness and dislike 

 to any form of enforced physical exertion; but as every 

 detail, involving constant forethought and arrangement, as 

 well as the execution, devolved upon himself, the latent 

 powers of methodical perseverance, which never failed him, 

 no matter what difficulties barred his way, were called 

 forth. Darwin's estimate of the ^^ habit of mind '' forced 

 upon himself during this period may not inaptly be applied 

 to both men : " Everything about which I thought or read 

 was made to bear directly on what I had seen, or was likely 

 to see; and this habit of mind was continued during the 

 five years of the voyage. I feel sure that it was this train- 

 ing which enabled me to do whatever I have done in science.'' 



It may be further assumed that Darwin was better 

 equipped mentally — from a scientific point of view — owing 

 to his personal intercourse with eminent scientific men 

 previous to his assuming this responsible position. Wal- 

 lace, on the contrary, ha^ jpracUcallyJUle J^ 

 knowledge" a3id"sucii experience as jie had been able to gai n 

 by solitary~wan3erings in the localities in w hich he had, 



by circumstance^ been forced to _ reside. His plan of 



operations must, therefore, have been largely modified and 

 adapted as time went on, and as his finances allowed. To 

 both, therefore, credit is due for the adaptability evinced 

 under conditions not always congenial or conducive to the 

 pursuits they had undertaken. 



Although the fact is not definitely stated by Wallace, it 

 may readily be inferred that the ide^ of making this the 

 D 33 



