33

The number of minute timbres in red earth with volutas prove regular mud bank at Bahia Blanca. Flustra identical recent & bone bed.

November 8th 1877

(Memoranda so far distributed to various subjects)

[Darwin, C. R. Notebook A: Geology (1837-1839). CUL-DAR127.]

Dampier VI P 101

"4 or 5 of the Eastermost are only rocky, barren & hilly producing neither true herb no grass, but a few Dildoe (Cactus) trees, except by the sea side". (in 1684), then probably not in activity, but a great change from present time. So accurate a person as Dampier would not so describe the Isds at present

 

P 416 Pescadores moderately high, appear much like our Dorsetshire or Wiltshire downs between China & Formosa

 

P 423 Notices the connection between valleys & the Harbors. - We may remark in Chili & Peru steepness of valleys, on this principle, would prevent deep indentations or good Bays, & that coast is one of the worst in the world for pitched Harbors.

 

34

Dr. A. Smith informs me that in the year a Rhinoceros was found in the mud, of the salt river – in reference to fossil guanaco of P. St. Julian.

Mr Scrope seems to consider that elevation & eruption are antagonist forces but they are parts of one force, one locally relieving the other.

[Darwin, C. R. Notebook A: Geology (1837-1839). CUL-DAR127.]

P 425. Remarks. In general this seldom but high shores & deep water, low land & shallows seas are found together. This must partly be owing to action of holes eating land & preventing deposits & partly perhaps the case of subsidence & elevation. - deep water & steep shores owing to hills sunk beneath the waters.