Submitted by PeterPavement on Wed, 04/26/2017 - 12:51
Collected 70 species of birds and 19 mammals, asks his father for money to take on Syms Covington as an assistant, and comments on slavery.
Latitude:
-34.905408
Longitude:
-54.950171
Longs to be on the other side of the Horn; tired of these countries. Natural history makes him continue. He now knows it will remain his favourite pursuit for the rest of his life.
Comments on slavery.
Will have additional space on board and a servant [Syms Covington] who will help him with the collection of birds and quadrupeds.
Asks for books, a lens, and four pairs of shoes.
He misses society. "I often conjecture what will become of me; my wishes certainly would make me a country clergyman. – You expect sadly more than I shall ever do in Nat. Hist: I am only a sort of Jackall, a lions provider; but I wish I was sure there were lions enough."
Has collected a host of minute beetles, some reptiles, small quadrupeds, and fishes. Invertebrate marine animals are his delight. The pleasure of working with microscope ranks second only to geology.
Describes Tierra del Fuego and Cape Horn; was reminded of hours at Barmouth; chafes at the length of the trip.
Hopes the Whigs will do away with slavery – has seen enough of it and Negroes to be disgusted with the lies heard in England.
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