x PREFACE. 



but it was not then known that Kinchinjunga, the loftiest 

 known mountain on the globe, was situated on my route, 

 and formed a principal feature in the physical geography 

 of Sikkim. 



My passage to Egypt was provided by the Admiralty 

 in H. M. steam -vessel " Sidon," destined to convey the 

 Marquis of Dalhousie, Governor- General of India, thus 

 far on his way. On his arrival in Egypt, his Lordship 

 did me the honour of desiring me to consider myself 

 in the position of one of his suite, for the remainder of 

 the voyage, which was performed in the " Moozuffer," a 

 steam frigate belonging to the Indian Navy. My obliga- 

 tions to this nobleman had commenced before leaving 

 England, by his promising me every facility he could 

 command ; and he thus took the earliest opportunity of 

 affording it, by giving me such a position near himself 

 as ensured me the best reception everywhere ; no other 

 introduction being needed. His Lordship procured my 

 admission into Sikkim, and honoured me throughout my 

 travels with the kindest encouragement. 



During the passage out, some days were spent in 

 Egypt, at Aden, Ceylon, and Madras. I have not thought 

 it necessary to give here the observations made in those 

 well-known countries ; they are detailed in a series of 

 letters published in the "London Journal of Botany," 



country I ever visited (now fourteen years ago), and that in the first King's 

 ship which has touched there since Cook's voyage, and whilst following the 

 track of that illustrious navigator in south polar discovery. At a later 

 period I have been nearly the first European who has approached Chumulari 

 since Turner's embassy. 



