Saturday, 4 August 2007

A relaxing day, topped off by a delightful evening in the garden. Shortly after dusk, two large white birds passed low over the gardens with a curious undulating flight; Jackie and I convinced ourselves they were a pair of owls.

I completed Voyage of the Beagle. This was occasionally tough going, but a fascinating insight into Charles Darwin. In this book, he displays as much interest in geology as he does in biology and zoology. And he makes many social and personal observations. After more than 500 pages, the climax of his book is not about natural science at all, but is a passionate condemnation of the slave trade - "it makes my blood boil".