A Darwin manuscript on Hobart Town

Abstract

The collection of Darwin's papers in the Library of Cambridge University includes a 22-page manuscript on the Geology of Hobart Town. Consideration of the manuscript suggests that Darwin's collection of fossils described in 'Geological Observations'came from the Bundella Mudstone at Porter Hill, the Cascades Group near Barossa Road, Glenorchy, and the Malbina Formation at Eaglehawk Neck. The manuscript further demonstrates his assiduity and acuteness as a geological observer, and suggests a considerable fund of geological knowledge Of Van Diemen's Land in 1836.