sure given place to those occupied with descriptions of nature, physical or moral,-and the phenomena of the material world now afford entertainment to many who in former times would have sought for it at a different source. Romantic incidents, perilous adventures, the struggles of conflicting armies, and vivid delineations of national manners and individual character, naturally excite a lively interest in every bosom, whatever may be the age or sex; but, surely, the great facts of creative power and wisdom, as exhibited in regions of the globe of which they have no personal knowledge, are not less calculated to fix the attention of all reflecting minds. The magnificent vegetation of the tropical regions, displaying forests of gigantic trees, interspersed with the varied foliage of innumerable shrubs, and adorned with festoons of climbing and odoriferous plants; the elevated table-lands of the Andes, crowned by volcanic cones whose summits shoot high into the region of perennial snow; the earthquakes that have desolated populous and fertile countries; the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, with its circling currents; and the varied aspect of the heavens in those distant lands,—are subjects suited to the taste of every individual who is capable of contemplating the wonderful machinery of the universe. It is unnecessary here to present an analysis of the labours of the illustrious philosopher whose footsteps are traced in this volume. Suffice it to observe, that some notices respecting his early life introduce the reader to an acquaintance with his character and motives, as the adventurous traveller, who, crossing the Atlantic, traversed the ridges and plains of Venezuela, ascended the Orinoco to its junction with the Amazon, sailed down the former river to the capital of Guiana, and after examining the island of Cuba, mounted by the valley of the Magdalena to the elevated platforms of the Andes, explored the majestic solitudes of the great cordilleras of Quito, navigated the margin of the Pacific Ocean, and wandered over the extensive and interesting provinces of NewSpain, whence he made his way back by the United States to Europe. The publication of the important results of this journey was not completed when he undertook another to Asiatic Russia and the confines of China, from which he has but lately returned. The From the various works which he has given to the world have been derived the chief materials of this narrative; and, when additional particulars were wanted, application was made to M. de Humboldt himself, who kindly pointed out the sources whence the desired information might be obtained. life of a man of letters, he justly observed, ought to be sought for in his books; and for this reason little has been said respecting his occupations during the intervals of repose which have succeeded his perilous journeys. It is only necessary further to apprize the reader, that the several measurements, the indications of the thermometer, and the value of articles of industry or commerce, which in the original volumes are expressed according to French, Spanish, and Russian usage, have been reduced to English equivalents. Finally, the publishers, confident that this abridged account of the travels of Humboldt will prove beneficial in diffusing a knowledge of the researches of that eminent naturalist, and in leading to the study of those phenomena which present themselves daily to the eye, send it forth with a hope that its reception will be as favourable and extensive as that bestowed upon its predecessors. Birth and Education of Humboldt--His early Occupations-He resolves to visit Africa-Is disappointed in his Views, and goes to Madrid, where he is introduced to the King, and obtains Permission to visit the Spanish Colonies-Observations made on the Journey through Spain-Geological Constitution of the Country between Madrid and Corunna-Climate-Ancient Submersion of the Shores of the Medi- terranean-Reception at Corunna, and Preparations for the Voyage to VOYAGE FROM CORUNNA TO TENERIFFE. Departure from Corunna-Currents of the Atlantic Ocean-Marine Ani- mals-Falling Stars-Swallows-Canary Islands-Lancerota-Fucus vitifolius-Causes of the Green Colour of Plants-La Graciosa- Stratified Basalt alternating with Marl-Hyalite-Quartz Sand- Remarks on the Distance at which Mountains are visible at Sea, and Santa Cruz-Villa de la Laguna--Guanches-Present Inhabitants of Teneriffe--Climate-Scenery of the Coast--Orotava--Dragon-tree- Ascent of the Peak-Its Geological Character-Eruptions--Zones of Landing at Cumana-Introduction to the Governor-State of the Sick- Description of the Country and City of Cumana-Mode of Bathing in the Manzanares-Port of. Cumana-Earthquakes; Their Periodicity; Connexion with the State of the Atmosphere; Gaseous Emanations; Subterranean Noises; Propagation of Shocks; Connexion between those of Cumana and the West Indies; and general Phenomena... 59 Lunar Halo--African Slaves--Excursion to the Peninsula of Araya-- Geological Constitution of the Country-Salt-works of Araya--Indians and Mulattoes--Pearl-fishery-Maniquarez-Mexican Deer--Spring Excursion to the Missions of the Chayma Indians-Remarks on Cul- tivation-The Impossible-Aspect of the Vegetation-San Fernando- Account of a Man who suckled a Child-Cumanacoa--Cultivation of EXCURSION CONTINUED, AND RETURN TO CUMANA. Convent of Caripe-Cave of Guacharo, inhabited by Nocturnal Birds-- Purgatory--Forest Scenery-Howling Monkeys--Vera Cruz--Cariaco -Intermittent Fevers--Cocoa-trees--Passage across the Gulf of Cari- |