THL SCHUMBUKGKb IN GUIANA. 



as you have just now bestowed upon me a proud acquisi- 

 sition to any traveller, the more when he looks back to 

 the distinguished travellers and discoverers who at 

 former periods have received from this chair the Royal 

 Premium. But to me it is an additional source of gratifi- 

 cation, as it proves to the world that the researches 

 which were carried on under the patronage and direction 

 of this Society met with their approbation. I may 

 perhaps be permitted briefly to recapitulate some of my 

 labours in the Wesc Indies. In the year 1831, 1 executed 

 a survey of Anegada and its dangerous reefs, by which I 

 trust I have been the means of saving the lives of many 

 of my fellow-creatures, and several vessels from ship- 

 wreck. This survey brought me into connexion with 

 the Geographical Society, and I subsequently, as is re- 

 lated in its Journal, explored the rivers Essequebo, 

 Corentyne and Berbice, and investigated the capabilities 

 of the rich and fertile colony of Guiana. One of my 

 discoveries during this period was the VICTORIA Regia, 

 the most beautiful specimen of the Flora of the western 

 hemisphere ; and it gives me much pleasure to announce 

 to you on chis occasion, that, after three vain attempts to 

 convey living specimens of that plant from the interior to 

 the coast, I have just received information that five 

 plants have arrived in good order in Georgetown and I 

 hope will shortly reach England. I need scarcely say 

 that the first specimen that arrives will be placed at the 

 disposal of Her Majestv, who has graciously permitted 

 the beautiful flower to bear her name. My subsequent 

 journey to Esmeralda, the details of which are in course 

 of publication, enabled me to connect my observations 

 with those of Baron HUMBOLDT, and I am proud here to 



