TO 
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE 
THE EARL OF MINTO, G.C.B., 
FIRST LORD COMMISSIONER 
OF THE 
ADMIRALTY. 
MY LORD; 
I have the honour of dedicating to your lordship, 
as Head of the Naval Service, this narrative of 
the Surveying Voyages of the Adventure and 
Beagle, between the years 1826 and 1836. 
Originated by the Board of Admiralty, over 
which Viscount Melville presided, these voyages 
_ have been carried on, since 1830, under his lord- 
ship’s successors in office. 
Captain King has authorized me to lay the 
results of the Expedition which he commanded, 
from 1826 to 1830, before your lordship, united 
to those of the Beagle’s subsequent voyages. 
I have the honour to be, 
MY LORD, 
Your lordship’s obedient servant, 
ROBERT FITZ-ROY. 
