78 SKETCH OP THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS 



tunity to set foot on the little island La Gra- 

 ciosa, the first ground they touched which 

 was not European. Humboldt' s sensations on 

 this occasion are thus expressed : " It is im- 

 possible to describe adequately the feeling which 

 possesses the naturalist who for the first time 

 stands on entirely foreign ground. Our atten- 

 tion is attracted by such a variety of objects, 

 that it is difficult to account for the impression 

 produced. At every step we expect to discover 

 new products, and under the influence of these 

 thoughts, we often fail to recognize those plants 

 which are the most common in our botanical 

 and historical collections." 



Humboldt expected to see the celebrated 

 Peak of Teneriffe from a considerable distance, 

 but found it enveloped in a dense fog. This 

 rock is not always covered by snow, and is 

 surrounded near its summit by large blocks of 

 black lava, and a vigorous vegetation; and 

 hence is less visible at a great distance. 



Humboldt and his companion Bonpland, on 

 their arrival at Santa Cruz, received from the 

 Governor, in consequence of their recommend- 

 ations from the Court of Madrid, immediate 

 permission to explore the island. They set out 

 on their tour the very day of their arrival, 

 because, on account of the English blockade, 



