204 THE APPOINTMENT TO THE 'BEAGLE.' ^ETAT. 22. [1831. 



thinks like a sailor about size. Captain Beaufort says I shall 

 be upon the Boards, and then it will only cost me like other 

 officers. Ship sails loth of October. Spends a week at 

 Madeira Islands ; and then Rio de Janeiro. They all think 

 most extremely probable, home by the Indian archipelago ; 

 but till that is decided, I will not be so. 



What has induced Captain Fitz-Roy to take a better view 

 of the case is, that Mr. Chester, who was going as a friend, 

 cannot go, so that I shall have his place in every respect. 



Captain Fitz-Roy has [a] good stock of books, many of 

 which were in my list, and rifles, &c., so that the outfit will 

 be much less expensive than I supposed. 



The vessel will be out three years. I do not object so 

 that my father does not. On Wednesday I have another 

 interview with Captain Beaufort, and on Sunday most likely 

 go with Captain Fitz-Roy to Plymouth. So I hope you will 

 keep on thinking on the subject, and just keep memoranda 

 of what may strike you. I will call most probably on 

 Mr. Burchell and introduce myself. I am in lodgings at 

 17 Spring Gardens. You cannot imagine anything more 

 pleasant, kind, and open than Captain Fitz-Roy's manners 

 were to me. I am sure it will be my fault if we do not suit. 



What changes I have had. Till one to-day I was building 

 castles in the air about hunting foxes in Shropshire, now 

 llamas in South America. 



There is indeed a tide in the affairs of men. If you see 

 Mr. Wood, remember me very kindly to him. 

 Good-bye. 



My dear Henslow, 



Your most sincere friend, 



CHAS. DARWIN. 



Excuse this letter in such a hurry. 



