12 INTRODUCTION. 



cal to European constitutions at certain periods 

 of the year : here they abound in great quan- 

 tities ; they are also found in Madagascar and 

 Mauritius, or Isle of France (an island in the 

 Indian ocean) ; likewise in Algoa Bay and some 

 few at the Cape of Good Hope, the temperature 

 attaining 80" to 90". There have been a few 

 found also in Delagoa Bay, the coast being co- 

 vered with woods, intersected with savannahs 

 and w^atered with numerous streams ; it is situ- 

 ated about midway between Mozambique and 

 Cape of Good Hope. The floral productions of 

 this part of the coast are, I believe, unrivalled in 

 brilliancy and fragrance. These places are situ- 

 ated in the south-eastern parts of Africa. 



Madeira also produces a few, but not equal in 

 number or beauty to the former places, although 

 a fine island in the north-west. Did this island 

 possess a somewhat higher temperature. Orchi- 

 daceous plants would prevail, all other circum- 

 stances seeming peculiarly adapted for them, but 

 the comparatively cool climate prevents their 

 spreading to any appreciable amount. Altogether, 

 Africa is not rich in any description of vegetation, 

 although some especial gems have been received 

 from thence, and its generally arid climate mili- 

 tates against the increase of Orchideoe most espe- 

 cially; its opposite is found in the next quarter 

 of the globe. 



