AN EXPLORING EXPEDITION. G7 



result was a settled resolve to quit the scene of his 

 mortification and distress, and to fly from his 

 native land. 



Casting about for the means by which he mi^ht 

 be enabled to effect his purpose, he learned that 

 the Government was on the point of despatching 

 an expedition to explore the southern hemisphere. 

 With considerable difficulty, through the friendly 

 assistance of MM. Jussieu and Lacepede, he ob- 

 tained an engagement in the service. The number 

 of savants was already completed, but at his earnest 

 representation of the importance of adding a medi- 

 cal naturalist to the staff this post was assigned 

 to him, and on the 19th October 1800 he sailed 

 with the expedition, which consisted of two frigates, 

 the Naturalist and the Geographe; Peron, with most 

 of the savants, being on board the latter vessel. 

 His biographer in the "Naturalist's Library" thus 

 pleasingly relates the incidents of the voyage : 

 "Though several campaigns had familiarised M. 

 Peron with privation, yet, on board ship, he found 

 himself more put about than he anticipated. 

 Having arrived after all the others were accom- 

 modated, he found only a pitiful corner left for 

 him ; however, in the midst of agitation and bustle, 

 he retained all his composure and self-possession, 

 and did not lose a moment. The very day he went 

 on board he commenced his meteorological obser- 



