CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Birth and Education of Humboldt His early Occupations He resolves 

 to visit Africa Is disappointed in his Views, and goes to Madrid, 

 where he is introduced to the King, and obtains Permission to visit 

 the Spanish Colonies Observations made on the Journey through 

 Spain Geological Constitution of the Country between Madrid and 

 Corunna Climate Ancient Submersion of the Shores of the Medi- 

 terranean Reception at Corunna, and Preparations for the Voyage to 

 South America Page 15 



CHAPTER II. 



VOYAGE FROM CORUNNA TO TENERIFFE. 



Departure from Corunna Currents of the Atlantic Ocean Marine Ani- 

 mals Falling Stars Swallows Canary Islands Lancerota Fucus 

 vitifolius Causes of the Green Colour of Plants La Graciosa 

 Stratified Basalt alternating with Marl Hyalite Quartz Sand- 

 Remarks on the Distance at which Mountains are visible at Sea, and 

 the Causes by which it is modified Landing at Teneriffe . 22 



CHAPTER III. 



ISLAND OF TENERIFFE. 



Santa Cruz Villa de la Laguna Guanches Present Inhabitants of 

 Teneriffe Climate Scenery of the Coast Orotava Dragon-tree 

 Ascent of the Peak Its Geological Character Eruptions Zones of 

 Vegetation Fires of St. John 35 



CHAPTER IV. 



PASSAGE FROM TENERIFFE TO CUMANA. 



Departure from Santa Cru/, Floating Seaweeds Flying-fish Stars- 

 Malignant Fever Island of Tobago Death of a Passenger Island 

 of Coche Port of Cumana Observations made during the Voyage ; 

 Temperature of the Air ; Temperature of the Sea ; Hygrometrical 

 State of the Air ; Colour of the Sky and Ocean 47 



