TRAVELS IN BRAZIL. 



Quito; and to return by way of Carraccas or 

 Mexico to Europe. 



Some difficulties, however, presented themselves, 

 which obliged His Majesty's government to defer the 

 execution of this project. But His Majesty's wish 

 for the fitting out of this expedition being again re- 

 vived, the marriage of Her Imperial Highness 

 Caroline Josepha Leopoldina, Archduchess of Aus- 

 tria, with His Royal Highness Don Pedro D' Al- 

 cantara, Crown Prince of Portugal, Algarve, and 

 Brazil, presented the most favourable opportunity 

 for gratifying it. At the time of the conclusion of 

 this alliance, which was to unite Europe more 

 closely with the New World, His Majesty the King 

 of Bavaria was at Vienna in person ; and the Im- 

 perial Court having resolved to send some scientific 

 men to Brazil, in the suite of the august bride, the 

 king made arrangements for some members of his 

 academy to accompany the Austrian expedition, 

 with the same views towards the advancement of 

 knowledge. The flattering choice fell upon us ; 

 and we accordingly received on the 28ih of Janu- 

 ary, I8I7, directions to repair, without loss of time, 

 to Vienna, and thence to Triest ; there to embark 

 on board the frigates, which were already equipped 

 for their voyage, to Rio de Janeiro. The Royal 

 Academy of Sciences, at the same time, received 

 orders to furnish us with instructions, not only re- 

 specting the principal departments with which we 

 were specially charged, but also, generally, relative 



B S 



\ 



