Chapter 19 Summary and Analysis

The Beagle anchors in Sydney Cove, and that evening Darwin walks through the bustling city of Sydney, Australia. He at first reacts very positively and later modifies his reaction downward, but not too far. The effects of rapid growth include disadvantages, such as monetary inflation and a sense of personal anonymity.

Darwin rides into the interior toward a village named Bathurst. He notes the forced labor from convicted felons and how this gives an advantage to the Australian government in building the country so quickly. The countryside consists of open woodlands and sparse grasslands, with both trees and grasses having a pale-green color. A group of primitive natives come by, and for a shilling, they demonstrate their prowess with their spears launched with throwing sticks. Darwin comments on their reputation as excellent trackers.

He crosses the Nepean River in a ferryboat...