PREFACE. ix 



be found in the narrative ; but I wish here publicly to 

 acknowledge my obligation to Mr. McLane for his gener- 

 osity to the expedition. Besides the sympathy accorded 

 me by private individuals, I have to thank the Hon. Gideon 

 Welles, Secretary of the Navy, for a general order, received 

 on the eve of my departure, desiring the officers of the 

 United States Navy, wherever I should fall in with them, 

 to afford me such assistance in my scientific researches 

 as would not interfere with the regular service ; and 1 

 learned at Rio that Mr. Seward had warmly recommended 

 the expedition to General Webb, at that time United 

 States Minister to Brazil. Finally, I would express my 

 thanks also to Messrs. Garrison and Allen for the free 

 passage offered to myself and my companions for our 

 return, on board the line of steamers established be- 

 tween New York and Rio de Janeiro during our stay in 

 Brazil. 



It will be seen hereafter what facilities were granted 

 me throughout this journey by the Brazilians themselves, 

 and that the undertaking, so warmly speeded on its way, 

 was welcomed no less cordially in the country to which 

 it was bound. 



One word as to the manner in which this volume has 

 grown into its present shape, for it has been rather the 

 natural growth of circumstances than the result of any 

 preconceived design. Partly for the entertainment of her 

 friends, partly with the idea that I might make some use 

 of it in knitting together the scientific reports of my 

 journey by a thread of narrative, Mrs. Agassiz began this 



