xlvii 



Islands, in the Indian Ocean, about 600 miles distant from the 

 coast of Sumatra. 



" Of insects I took pains to collect every kind. Exclusive of 

 spiders, which were numerous, there were thirteen species, 

 belonging to the following orders : — In the Coleoptera, a minute 

 Elater ; Orthoptera, a Gryllm and a Blatta ; Hemiptera, one 

 species ; Homoptera, two ; Neuroptera, a Chrysopa ; Hyme- 

 noptera, two ants ; Lepidoptera, a Diopcea, and a Ptero- 

 l^horus (?) ; Diptera, two species. A small ant swarmed by 

 thousands under the loose dry blocks of coral, and was the only 

 true insect which was abundant." 



On the advantages to the naturalist of extended travel, the 

 closing words of the * Journal of Eesearches into the Natural 

 History and Geology of the countries visited during the voyage 

 of H. M. S. " Beagle " round the World ' should be deeply im- 

 pressed on the minds of all who may, if not now, yet in after-life, 

 have opportunities of putting them in practice. 



" In conclusion, it appears to me that nothing can be more 

 improving to a young naturalist than a journey in distant 

 countries. It both sharpens and partly allays that want and 

 craving which, as Sir John Herschel remarks, a man experiences, 

 although every corporeal sense be fully satisfied. The excite- 

 ment from the novelty of objects and the chance of success 

 stimulate him to increased activity. Moreover, as a number of 

 isolated facts soon become uninteresting, the habit of comparison 

 leads to generalisation. On the other hand, as the traveller 

 stays but a short time in each place, his descriptions must 

 generally consist of mere sketches, instead of detailed observa- 

 tions. Hence arises, as I have found to my cost, a constant 

 tendency to fill up the svide gaps of knowledge by inaccurate and 

 superficial hypotheses. 



" But I have too deeply enjoyed the voyage not to recommend 

 any naturalist, although he must not expect to be so fortunate in 

 his companions as I have been, to take all chances, and to start 

 on travels by land if possible, if otherwise on a long voyage. He 

 may feel assured he will meet with no difficulties or dangers, 

 excepting in rare cases, nearly so bad as he beforehand anticipates. 



