INTRODUCTION. 
In 1825, the Lords Commissioners of the 
Admiralty directed two ships to be prepared for a 
Survey of the Southern Coasts of South America ; 
and in May, of the following year, the ADVENTURE 
and the BEAGLE were lying in Plymouth Sound, 
ready to carry the orders of their Lordships into 
execution. 
These vessels were well provided with every 
necessary, and every comfort, which the liberality 
and kindness of the Admiralty, Navy Board, and 
officers of the Dock-yards, could cause to be 
furnished. 
On board the Adventure, a roomy ship, of 330 
tons burthen, without guns,* lightly though strongly 
rigged, and very strongly built, were— 
Puitiie Parker Kine, Commander and Surveyor, Senior 
Officer of the Expedition. 
Ni COG RMN os a eyes Lieutenant. 
B. AINSworTH ......... Master. 
PRY OV ee Surgeon. 
* Exeepting one for signals. 
