PREFACE. Vll 



The illustrations now given consist of a few sub- 

 jects selected from an extensive series of drawings 

 made by Mr. Melville, who was attached to the 

 expedition in the capacity of Artist, to whom I have 

 to offer my acknowledgments not only for the use of 

 the originals, but for his superintendence of their 

 engraving. It is much to be regretted, that the ex- 

 pense of their production renders it impossible to 

 hope for the publication of the remainder. A simi- 

 lar expression of obligation is due from me to 

 Professor Owen, Dr. Latham, Mr. J. E. Gray, 

 and Mr. Adam White, for the scientific contribu- 

 tions which the reader will find in the Appendix. 

 Nor can I refuse myself the pleasure of publicly 

 recording my thanks to the officers generally of the 

 Fly and Bramble (and to my own messmates in 

 particular), for the uniform kindness 1 received at 

 their hands. Those only who belong to' the navy 

 can understand how inconvenient it is to have on 

 board as an officer of the ship " one who knows 

 nothing of the service," more especially one who, 

 from the nature of his employment as a naturalist 

 and collector, must be frequently liable to trespass 

 against the discipline, or at least the established 

 order, and etiquette of a man of war. Were it only 

 for the forbearance shewn with respect to these occa- 

 sional delinquencies, I should have every reason to 

 be grateful ; but the assistance and accommodation 

 afforded me, the frank reception I met with, the un- 

 broken social cordiality, and the steady friendship I 



