9 



the limit of the perpetual snows. I flattered 

 myself, that, after executing some useful opera- 

 tions in the Alpine regions of Barbary, I should 

 receive in Egypt from those illustrious men who 

 had for some months formed the Institute of 

 Cairo, the same kind attentions with which I 

 had been honored during my abode in Paris. 

 I hastily completed my collection of instru- 

 ments, and purchased works which related to 

 the countries I was going to visit. I separa- 

 ted myself from a brother, who by his advice 

 and example had hitherto exercised a great in- 

 fluence on the direction of my thoughts. He 

 approved the motives which determined me to 

 quit Europe : a secret voice assured us that we 

 should meet again ; and that hope, which has 

 not proved delusive, softened the pain of a long 

 separation. I left Paris with the intention of 

 embarking for Algiers and Egypt ; but in conse- 

 quence of one of those vicissitudes which sway 

 the affairs of this life, I returned to my brother, 

 from the river of Amazons and Peru, without ' 

 having touched the continent of Africa. 



The Swedish frigate, which was to convey Mr. 

 Skioldebrand to Algiers, was expected at Mar- 

 seilles toward the end of October. Mr. Bon- 

 pland and myself repaired thither, with so much 

 the more celerity, as during our journey we 

 were tormented with the fear of being too late, 

 and missing our passage. We did not at that time 

 foresee the new impediments that awaited us. 



