PREPACK. 



vii 



The illustrations now given consist of a few sub- 

 jects selected from an extensive series of drawings 

 made by Mr. Melville, who was attached to the 

 expedition in the capacity of Artist, to whom I have 

 to offer my acknowledgments not only for the use of 

 the originals, but for his superintendence of their 

 engraving. It is much to be regretted, that the ex- 

 pense of their production renders it impossible to 

 hope for the publication of the remainder. A simi- 

 lar expression of obligation is due from me to 

 Professor Owen, Dr. Latham, Mr. J. E. Gray, 

 and Mr. Adam White, for the scientific contribu- 

 tions which the reader will find in the Appendix. 

 Nor can I refuse myself the pleasure of publicly 

 recording my thanks to the officers generally of the 

 Fly and Bramble (and to my own messmates iu 

 particular), for the uniform kindness 1 received at 

 their hands. Those only who belong to the navy 

 can understand how inconvenient it is to have on 

 board as an officer of the ship "one who knows 

 nothing of the service," more especially one who, 

 from the nature of his employment as a naturalist 

 and collector, must be frequently liable to trespass 

 against the discipline, or at least the established 

 order, and etiquette of a man of war. ^ere it only 

 for the forbearance shewn with respect to these occa- 

 sional delinquencies, I should have every reason to 

 be grateful ; but the assistance and accommodation 

 afforded me, the frank reception I met with, the un- 

 broken social cordiality, aud the steady friendship I 



