CONTENTS. 
CHAPTER I. 
INTRODUCTION- 
Birth and Education of Humboldt—His early Occupations—He re- 
solves to visit Africa—Is disappointed in his Views, and goes to 
Madrid, where he is introduced to the King and obtains Per- 
mission to visit the Spanish Colonies—Observations made on the 
Journey through Spain—Geological Constitution of the Country 
between Madrid and Corunna—Climate—Ancient Submersion of 
the Shores of the Mediterranean—Reception at Corunna, and 
Preparations for the Voyage to South America,............ Page 17 
CHAPTER II. 
VOYAGE FROM CORUNNA TO TENERIFFE. 
Departure from Corunna—Currents of the Atlantic Ocean—Ma- 
rine Animals—Falling Stars—Swallows—Canary Islands—Lan- 
cerota—Fucus vitifolius—Causes of the Green Colour of Plants 
—La Graciosa—Stratified Basalt alternating with Marl—Hya- 
hte—Quartz Sand—Remarks on the Distance at which Moun- 
tains are visible at Sea, and the Causes by which it is modified— 
NN TNs. cacao oe wba ca pec iesasied oe hee tee 25 
CHAPTER III. 
ISLAND OF TENERIFFE. 
Santa Cruz—Villa de la Laguna—Guanches—Present Inhabitants 
of Teneriffe—Climate—Scenery of the @nast—Orotava—Dragon- 
tree—Ascent of the Peak—Its Geological Character—Eruptions 
—Zones of Vegetation—Fires of St John,..............00000000- 4] 
