NARRATIVE OF THE CRUISE. 29 



Observations should especially be made on the fruits and seeds of those plants which have become widely- 

 distributed throughout the tropical regions of the world, apparently without the intervention of man ; but 

 further observations on other plants of different natural orders may be of great value with reference to questions 

 of geographical distribution. 



The following instructions have been drawn up for the botanical collectors as to objects of special 

 attention at particular places : — 



Porto Rico. — In collecting, distinguish the plants of the Savannahs from those of the mountains, which, 

 if possible, should be ascended. The palms and tree-ferns are quite unknown; marine algae also are 

 wanted. 



Cape Verde Islands. — Make for the highest peaks, where the vegetation is peculiar and analogous to that of 

 Madeira and the Canaries. 



Fernando Noronha. — Land if possible. Very remarkable plants are said to occur, different from those 

 of Brazil. 



Trinidad. — A complete collection is required. A tree-fern exists, but the species is unknown. 



Prince Edward's Island and Crozets. — Two spots more interesting for the exploration of their vegetation 

 do not exist upon the face of the globe. Every effort should be made to make a complete collection. 



Kerguelen Island. — A thorough exploration should be made, and the cryptogamic plants and algae 

 diligently collected. The Antarctic Expedition was only there in midwinter ; flowering specimens of Pringlea 

 are wanted. 



Auckland and Campbell Islands. — The floras should be well exjilored. 



South Pacific and Indian Oceans. — Attend to general instructions, more especially as regards palms and 

 large monocotyledons generally. Marine algse are said to be scarce, and should be looked for all the 

 more diligently. In the North Pacific, south temperate alga? are said to prevail. 



Aleutian Islands. — Collections are particularly wanted. 



Every effort should be made to land on islands between Lat, 30° N. and 30° S. along the marked track 

 (between Vancouver Island and Valparaiso), so as to connect the vegetation of the American continent with the 

 traces of it that exist in the Sandwich Islands. 



Straits of Magellan. — Cryptogams are abundant, but very partially explored. 



The following additional notes have been drawn up for the more especial guidance of the botanists of the 

 circumnavigation : — 



Phanerogams. — 1. Fleshy parasitic plants (Balanophora, Rafflesia, &c.) are little suitable for dissection and 

 examination unless preserved in spirit ; and the same remark applies to fleshy flowers and inflorescences 

 generally. Dried specimens, however, are not without their value, and should always be obtained 

 as well. 



2. The stems of scandent and climbing plants are often very anomalous in their structure. Short portions 

 of such stems should bo collected when the cross section is in any way remarkable, with the foliage, flowers, 

 and fruit when possible. A few leaves and flowers should also be tied up between two pieces of card, and 

 attached at once to the specimens of the stem, so as to ensure future identification. 



3. Attention should be given to the esculent and medicinal substances used in various places. Specimens 

 should be obtained, and whenever possible they should be accompanied by complete specimens of. the plants 

 from which such substances are obtained. 



4. The common weeds and ruderal plants growing about ports or landing-places should not be overlooked, 

 and, as far as practicable, trustworthy information should be recorded as to the date and circumstances of the 

 introduction of foreign species. 



