CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 



INTRODUCTION. 



Birth and Education of Humboldt— His early Occupations— He resolves 

 to visit Africa — Is disappointed in his Views, and goes to Madrid, 

 where he is introduced to the King, and obtains Permission 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 Medi- 

 terranean — Reception at Corunna, and Preparations for the Voyage to 

 South America Page 15 



CHAPTER n. 



VOYAGE FROM CORUNNA TO TENERIFFE. 



Departure from Corunna— Currents of the Atlantic Ocean — Marine Ani- 

 mals—Falling Stars— Swallows— Canary Islands— Lancerota— Fucus 

 vitifolius— Causes of the Green Colour of Plants— La Graciosa— 

 Stratified Basalt alternating with Marl— Hyalite— Quartz Sand- 

 Remarks on the Distance at which Mountains are visible at Sea, and 

 the Causes by which it is modified-" Landing at Teneriffe 22 



CHAtTER M. 



ISLAND OF TENERIFFE. 



Santa Cruz— Villa de la Laguna— Guanches— Present Inhabitants of 

 Teneriffe — Climate— Scenery of the Coast — Orotava— Dragon-tree — 

 Ascent of the Peak — Its Geological Character — Eruptions — Zones of 

 Vegetation— Fires of St. John 35 



CHAPTER IV. 



PASSAGE FROM TENERIFFE TO CUMANA. 



Departure from Santa Cruz — Floating Seaweeds— Flying-fish— Stars — 

 Malignant Fever— Island of Tobago— Death of a Passenger— Island 

 of Coche— Port of Cumana— Observations made during the Voyage; 

 Temperature of the Air ; Temperature of the Sea ; Hygrometrical 

 State of the Air ; Colour of the Sky and Ocean 47 



