INTRODUCTION. 



In 1825, the Lords Commissioners of the 

 Admiralty directed two ships to be prepared for a 

 Survey of the Southern Coasts of South America ; 

 and in May, of the following year, the Adventure 

 and the Beagle were lying in Plymouth Sound, 

 ready to carry the orders of their Lordships into 

 execution. 



These vessels were well provided with every 

 necessary, and every comfort, which the liberality 

 and kindness of the Admiralty, Navy Board, and 

 officers of the Dock-yards, could cause to be 

 furnished. 



On board the Adventure, a roomy ship, of 330 

 tons burthen, without guns,* lightly though strongly 

 rigged, and very strongly built, were — 



Phillip Parker King, Commander and Surveyor, Senior 



Officer of the Expedition. 

 J, CooKE 



B. AiNSWORTH ..... 



J. Tarn 



Lieutenant. 



Master. 



Surgeon. 



* Excepting- one for signals. 



