Preface. 



The task was difficult, even with the help of Cav. UfF. 

 Vittorio Sella's splendid photographs, which, in a measure, 

 filled out the bare outlines of our diaries. I, therefore, take 

 this opportunity of expressing my deep sense of obligation to 

 Cav. Filippo De Filippi, and of recording the pleasure given 

 me by his acceptance of my proposal. 



To this volume, which contains a narrative of the journey 

 and of the actual exploration work of the expedition, together 

 with the meteorological and astronomical notes, will be added 

 a second volume,* containing the geological and mineralogical 

 report of Dr. A. Roccati, together with reports upon the 

 zoological and botanical specimens brought back by us. 



I must here tender my thanks to all the distinguished 

 men of science who have collaborated in the study and 

 illustration of our collections. 



c^ 





Rome, 



April, 1908. 



* Published in Italian only — U. Hoepli, Milan, 

 viii 



