Xll PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. 



FitzRoy, for having permitted me to volunteer my 

 services on board H.M.S. Beagle, and for his uniform 

 kindness in giving me assistance in my researches, I 

 can here only repeat my obligations to him. The 

 materials for this volume were nearly ready two years 

 ago ; but owing to ill health, its publication has been 

 delayed. The two succeeding Parts — one on the vol- 

 canic islands visited during the voyage of the Beagle, 

 and the other on South America — will appear as soon 

 as they can be prepared. 



May 2, 1842. 



