galapagos

CNH Tours - Cultural and Natural Heritage Tours Galapagos
Thursday January 23, 2025
Mr. Darwin's Shooter
So often when recalling the exploits of great scientists, explorers and politicians, those who enabled them are relegated to the broom closet of history. Darwin is no exception. We rarely hear about his right-hand man on the Beagle, and for a few years after Darwin’s return to England. In his book, “The Voyage of the Beagle”, Darwin never mentions Syms Covington, yet he was by his side for over 5 years. Only later in life Did Darwin express gratitude toward Covington in his correspondence and acknowledged the importance of his contributions in his later writings.
Here’s a short story of Covington’s life.
Early Life and Career
Syms Covington was born in Bedfordshire, England, in 1816. Little is known about his early years, but he joined the British Royal Navy at a young age, seeking adventure and opportunity. By his teens, Covington had become a sailor aboard the HMS Beagle, where he initially served as a cabin boy and ship's fiddler. His musical abilities were valued on the ship, as fiddling provided entertainment during long voyages.
The Voyage of the HMS Beagle
In 1831, the HMS Beagle embarked on its second voyage, captained by Robert FitzRoy. Aboard this expedition was the young naturalist Charles Darwin, who had been invited to join the journey to study geology, natural history, and the environment of the regions they explored. Covington, though initially part of the general crew, soon became Darwin’s personal servant and assistant.
As Darwin’s assistant, Covington played a crucial role in the success of the expedition. His duties included helping Darwin collect, prepare, and preserve specimens of plants, animals, and fossils. He often used his skills as a marksman to hunt birds and mammals, which Darwin studied in detail. Covington’s keen eye and steady hand made him an indispensable part of the scientific team. He was also responsible for organizing and labeling specimens, ensuring they were properly stored for later analysis.
Contributions to Darwin’s Work
During the Beagle voyage, which lasted from 1831 to 1836, Darwin relied heavily on Covington’s practical skills. Covington’s assistance in collecting specimens was vital, especially in challenging environments such as the Galápagos Islands and South America. His meticulous work enabled Darwin to focus on his observations and theories, laying the groundwork for his later development of the theory of evolution by natural selection.
One notable instance of Covington’s contribution was his role in preparing finches collected from the Galápagos Islands. These specimens would later become central to Darwin’s insights into adaptive radiation and the diversity of species.
Life After the Beagle
Following the Beagle voyage, Covington continued to work for Darwin in England, assisting him in cataloging and organizing the extensive collection of specimens gathered during their travels. However, after some time, Covington sought a new life and emigrated to Australia in 1839. There, he settled in Pambula, New South Wales, and became a postmaster. He married and raised a family, leading a quieter life far removed from his adventurous seafaring years.
Despite the distance, Covington maintained occasional correspondence with Darwin. These letters reveal Darwin’s appreciation for Covington’s contributions to his work, as well as a mutual respect between the two men.
Legacy
Syms Covington’s life is a testament to the unsung heroes of scientific discovery. Though not a scientist himself, his labor and dedication provided essential support for Darwin’s groundbreaking research. Covington’s name appears in Darwin’s correspondence and acknowledgments, underscoring his role in one of the most important scientific voyages of the 19th century.
Covington passed away in 1861, having lived a life that bridged two worlds: the high seas of exploration and the quietude of a small Australian town. His story serves as a reminder of the collaborative efforts behind scientific progress, where even the smallest contributions can leave a lasting impact on history.
FURTHER READING
Covington’s life was recounted in this lovely, fictionalized story “Mr. Darwin’s Shooter” by Roger McDonald (1998). In this richly detailed novel, Roger McDonald shines a light on a man forgotten by history, capturing the breathtaking excitement of the historic voyage of the Beagle and brilliantly illuminating the scientific, religious, and social controversies that exploded around Darwin's watershed theories.