Chapter 18 Summary and Analysis

As the Beagle anchors in Matavai Bay, many canoes launch from Tahiti to greet the visitors. The ship has just sailed 3,200 miles from the Galapagos, during which time Darwin sees a formation of coral known as an atoll, where a ring of coral encloses a calm lagoon. Darwin first meets Mr. Wilson, the missionary for this part of Tahiti.

A ring of productive farmland encircles the island, on which oranges, coconuts, breadfruit, yams, sweet potatoes, sugar cane and pineapples grow. The Tahitians impress Darwin with their friendliness and good looks, despite their tattoos. Accompanied by a group of Tahitian men, Darwin explores the island.

The island is very mountainous, and the only ways into the interior are along river valleys. The party enters an interesting gorge. They later climb out of the valley, which requires the use of ropes at some...