Constantine Samuel Rafinesque. 19 



SECOND VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES. 



In 1815 Rafinesque left Sicily and Europe forever. 

 During the later years of his Sicilian residence, affairs, 

 from a business and literary standpoint, had not pro 

 gressed satisfactorily; he apparently did not regret the 

 fact of leaving that famous island. The voyage began 

 in July and ended in November. Adverse weather con 

 ditions met the vessel as soon as the Mediterranean was 

 cleared; the good ship suffered the ordeal of a severe 

 Atlantic storm, was damaged and compelled to seek a 

 haven in the Azores. The Island of St. Michael thus 

 by an accident became an object of botanical interest to 

 Rafinesque. He collected thereon, observed the volcanic 

 rocks, drew some of the objects found, and so turned a 

 seeming misfortune to the best account possible. 



The story of the landing of Rafinesque in America 

 for the second time reads like a romance, and though 

 there are many who profess to doubt its exact truthful 

 ness I must confess to the most complete credulity in its 

 essential correctness. I have so long read and studied 

 this man, am so familiar with his character, which was 

 open and honest, have so great an admiration for that 

 part of his life which was unclouded by mental misfor- 



