11 



voyage to the torrid zone. I was provided 

 with instruments of easy and convenient 

 use, constructed by artists of the highest 

 reputation ; and I enjoyed the special pro- 

 tection of a goverment, which, far from 

 presenting obstacles to my investigations, 

 constantly honoured me with every mark of 

 regard and confidence. I was aided by a 

 courageous and enlightened friend, and, 

 what is singularly propitious to the success 

 of participated labour, whose zeal and equa- 

 nimity never failed, amidst the fatigues 

 and dangers to which we were sometimes 

 exposed. 



Under such favorable circumstances, 

 traversing regions which for ages have re- 

 mained almost unknown to the greatest 

 part of the nations of Europe, I might add 

 even to Spain, we have collected, Mr. Bon- 

 pland and myself, a considerable number 

 of materials, the publication of which may 

 throw some light on the history of nations, 

 and the knowledge of nature. Our in- 

 quiries; having been directed towards a 

 great variety of objects, we have been un- 

 able to present t\ie result under the com- 

 mon form of an itinerary, and have there- 



