From Bartholomew James Sulivan   13 January – 12 February 1845

Summary

Describes stratification of cliffs on south shore of Rio Gallegos; fossils found at base of cliffs. Speculates about geological past of the area. Discusses climate of southern Patagonia; navigation problems at the mouth of Rio Gallegos.

Gives results of soundings taken between Falkland Islands and South American mainland. Describes geology of Falklands, especially the dikes found on many islands. Comments on climate of Falklands. Discusses horses and cattle, health of his children in the Falklands. Mentions volutes found in the Falklands.

Passes on report of FitzRoy’s policies as governor of New Zealand.

Letter details

Record number

DCP-LETT-730

From

Bartholomew James Sulivan

To

Charles Robert Darwin

Date

13 Jan – 12 Feb 1845

Sent from

HMS Philomel , Rio Gallegos, Patagonia

Source of text

DAR 46.1: 75–86

Physical description

19pp sketch

Contributor

Darwin Correspondence Project[View Ɛpsilon collection]

Also published in The Correspondence of Charles Darwin, vol. 3.

• Darwin, C. R.
• Sulivan, B. J.