The termination of the voyage has been decided – September 1836.
The earthquake of Concepción.
His geological observations (since November). Can now prove both sides of the Andes have recently risen to considerable heights.
Zoological collection.
Plans to cross the Cordilleras.
Has just returned from crossing the Cordilleras. Geological observations of formations representing great epochs of violence which broke up the earth’s crust. Shells at over 12000 feet. Silicified trees in sandstone formations at great heights. Red snow and viviparous lizards. Botanical specimens.
His trip across the Andes and back was his most successful excursion: can clearly demonstate that the western part of the double line of mountains is much older, with fossil shells at 12000ft; the eastern line may be as modern as the Patagonian plains. If proved, this is an important fact in the theory of the formation of the world. Has found petrified trees.
Slow and tedious trip through miserable country, but geology prospers, and CD will have a good general idea of the structure of Chile by the time he leaves the country. Will send a last large cargo of specimens to Henslow.
Describes his trip from Coquimbo to Copiapò, where he rejoined the Beagle – a hard and wearisome journey, but geologically interesting.
FitzRoy piloted the [Blonde] to rescue crew of wrecked Challenger.
CD has received letters that were missing, and others; for ten months there will be none to or from him.
Expresses envy for WDF’s life as a clergyman.
Outlines homeward voyage; tells of his hope of seeing active volcanoes and Tertiary strata in Galapagos. Recommends geology to Fox. Discusses Lyell’s views; CD has become "a zealous disciple".
Looks forward to seeing volcanoes in Galapagos Islands.
Has altered his views on Cordillera formations as a result of another trip. Discusses his theory of their origin and history.
Sends some geological specimens. Describes his recent trips and findings on the geology of the Andes. Asks if HSF has seen large beds of shells on elevated land – possibly at Rio Grande or S. Brazil.
Memorandum of geological instructions to guide ABU during a voyage of [Constitucion] to survey the coast of Peru.
Living quietly on the ship and eating good food has been good for him. He longs for home. Peru is in a miserable state.
At sea 25 days from Galapagos to Tahiti, where they stayed ten days. It was delightful. Then three weeks to New Zealand, where they will be for ten days.
Convinced of high merit of missionaries.
Dislikes Augustus Earle’s book.
CD informs PPK of his impending arrival at Dunheved, Penrith; news of his journey thus far.
CD’s impressions of Sydney and of FitzRoy’s character and temperament.
His joy at prospect of journey’s end in eight months’ time.
Observations on Australia.
Reports on his collecting in Galapagos – its flora and very curious birds; its instructive geology.
Tahiti and good work of missionaries.
All prefer Hobart Town and its society to Sydney. CD’s view on emigration to colonies. All on board are homesick.
Finds the voyage tedious at present.
Expects that the different scientific societies will be of the greatest use to his work in London when he returns home.
Gives some impressions of Australia.
Keeling Islands, his first coral lagoons; he has been occupied with subject of coral formation for six months.
Very busy at sea rewriting old geological notes. Has difficulties with writing.
FitzRoy has proposed joint account of the journey, combining CD’s journal with his own.
Looks forward with anxiety to Henslow’s reaction to the geological notes.
Will call on Sir J. Herschel, then take short trip in the African desert.
Horrified at the publication of "the little book of extracts" from his letters to Henslow ["Letters to Professor Henslow" (1835), Collected papers 1: 3–16].
Asks JSH to propose him for Geological Society. His meeting with Sir John Herschel and Andrew Smith at Cape of Good Hope.
In five days of geologising on St Helena, he found that the shells on high land had been mistakenly identified as seashells. They are land shells, but of species no longer living.
Can think of nothing but the return to England and his family.