xlii Physical and Geognostic Suggestions, 



and Sorata, ascertained since 1 848, are, instead of 3949 and 

 3753 respectively, only 3329 toises (21,266 English feet), and 

 3307 toises (21,145 English feet). 



(c.) Volcano Gualatieri, in the Bolivian province of Car- 

 angas (18° 15' S.), height 20,604 feet. 



The southern group of South American volcanoes, that, 

 of Chili, presents the largest number of active fire-mountains 

 — only second, indeed, to that of Central America, there being 

 from eleven to thirteen. In order to increase the geological 

 exploration of this region which has been so well prepared 

 by the memorable expedition under Captain Fitzroy, in the 

 ships Adventure and Beadle, the excellent generalizing 

 theories of Mr. Darwin, and the naval astronomical expedi- 

 tion of Mr. Gilliss, for 1849-51, the Novara will pro- 

 bably land at Valparaiso. A great desideratum between 

 Coquimbo and Valparaiso is an exact measurement of — 



A. The volcano of Aconcagua (32° 39 vS.). Its height has 

 been stated, in 1885, by Captain Fitzroy, as 21,767 feet, 

 Pentland's correction assigning 22,431 feet ; while Captain 

 Kellet, of the frigate Herald, gives it as 21,584 feet. Miers 

 and Darwin are both of opinion that the Aconcagua is still in 

 activity, which is denied by Pentland and Gilliss. The most 

 recent measurement of Aconcagua — that by Pissis in 1 854 

 (see Gilliss, Vol. I. p. 63)— makes the height 20,924 feet. 

 M. Pissis has published, in the " Anales de la Universidad de 

 Chili," for 1852, the geodetical elements of his survey, which 

 is based upon eight triangles. Aconcagua being probably 



