CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Birth and Education of Humboldt — His early Occupations— He resolves 

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

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

 the Spanish Colonies — Observations made on the Journey througli 

 Spain — Geological Constitution of the Country between Madrid and 

 Coruiina — Climate — Ancient Submersion of the Shores of the Medi- 

 terranean — Reception at Corunna, and Preparations for the Voyage lo 

 South America Page 15 



CHAPTER n. 



VOYAGE FROM COKUNNA TO TENERIFFE. 



Departure from Corunna— Currents of the Atlantic Ocean— Marine Ani- 

 mals — Falling Stars — Swallows — Canary Islands— Lancorota — 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 Tenerifle 22 



CHAPTER m. 



ISLAND OF TENERIFFE. 



Santa Cruz — Villa de la Laguna— Guanches — Present Inhabitants of 

 TeneriTfe— 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 Cruz — Floating Seaweeds — Flying-fish — Stars — 

 Malignant Fever — Island of Tobago — Deatli of a Passenger — Island 

 of Coche — Port of ('umana — Observations made during the Voyage; 

 Temperature of the Air; Temperature of the Sea; Hygromeirical 

 Slate of Uie Air ; Colour of the Skv and Ocean 47 



