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AFTERMATH OF THE BEAGLE VOYAGE

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES

Sir,—In connexion with your article on the Aftermath of the Beagle Voyage the following extract from a letter from Charles Darwin to Dr., afterwards Sir John, Richardson, may be of interest. The letter is dated July 25,[sic] 1837 and is written from 36, Great Marlborough Street. It opens with questions about the extent of forest growth in North America in land in which the mean annual temperature is below freezing. Comparisons with South America and likewise Africa are sought and it continues:—

My Government petition for assistance is in status quo, and I think will thus remain for a long time. It was presented to the Chancellor of the Exchequer who did not receive it unfavourably but said until Parliament met he could give no answer. I am working away at my journal, but get on very slowly; building a pyramid is an insignificant task to writing a book, I had no idea what a hard-working wretch an author even on the humblest scale must be.

A later letter states he has received a grant of £1,000 for the publication of the zoology of the Beagle's voyage. The letters are in my possession. Dr. Richardson was the scientific member of Sir John Franklin's first journey of exploration.

Yours faithfully,

JOSEPHINE M. RICHARDSON.

Tithe Barn, Chesham Bois, Buckinghamshire.