202 CATARACTS OF THE ORINOCO. 



our maps. This Expedition led to the conquest of Florida, and to 

 the knowledge of the great current of the Gulf Stream, which issues 

 forth through the Bahama channel. The thirst for treasures, and 

 the desire of renovated youth, stimulated with nearly equal force 

 the passions and cupidity of the nations of Europe. 



( 10 ) p. 175. <( The Piriguao, one of the noblest of palm trees." 

 Compare Humboldt, Bonpland, and Kunth, Nova Genera Plant, 

 gequinoct. t. i. p. 315. 



(") p. 184. "The vault or cemetery of an extinct nation" 

 During the period of my stay in the forests of the Orinoco, these 

 caves of bones were examined Iby order of the court. The Mis- 

 sionary of the Cataracts had been unjustly accused of having dis- 

 covered in the caves treasures which had been hidden there by the 

 Jesuits previous to their flight. 



