VI PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. 



Nevertheless, notwithstanding faults which I can more easily 

 perceive than amend, I venture to hope that these descriptions of 

 the varied Aspects which Nature assumes in distant lands may 

 impart to the reader a portion of that enjoyment which is derived 

 from their immediate contemplation by a mind susceptible of such 

 impressions. As this enjoyment is enhanced by insight into the 

 more hidden connection of the different powers and forces of nature, 

 I have subjoined to each treatise scientific elucidations and additions. 



Throughout the entire work I have sought to indicate the unfail- 

 ing influence of external nature on the feelings, the moral disposi- 

 tions, and the destinies of man. To minds oppressed with the cares 

 or the sorrows of life, the soothing influence of the contemplation 

 of Nature is peculiarly precious; and to such these pages are more 

 especially dedicated. May they, " escaping from the stormy waves 

 of life," follow me in spirit with willing steps to the recesses of the 

 primeval forests, over the boundless surface of the Steppe, and to 

 the higher ridges of the Andes. To them is addressed the poet's 

 voice, in the sentence of the chorus 



" Auf den Bergen ist Freiheit! Der Hauch der Grufte 

 >Vteigt nicht hinauf in die reinen Liifle; 

 Die Welt ist vollkommen uberall, 

 Wo der Mensch nicht hinkommt mit seiner Qual." 



