17 DEDICATION. 



jret pride in reflecting that its institutions are analogous 

 to those of my own dear country, and that the grandeur of its 

 physical scenery and the intellectual life which animates all 

 classes of its people, have their counterpart in Helvetia. 



For me it is a source of satisfaction to be able to contribute, 

 in my humble sphere, to the extension of the physical knowledge 

 of that part of the American continent, whose natural riches 

 we are daily more and more able to appreciate, thanks to the 

 untiring zeal of its scientific men. 



I trust, sir, you will deign to read these lines with an indul- 

 gence equal to the sincerity with which they are addressed to 

 you, and that you will see in them a pledge of my gratitude and 

 devotedness. 



HEXRI De SATTSSURE. 



Geneva. Switzerland, 1 May, 1863. 



