CHAP, xin.] THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS. 267 



the. north-west from the coast of Peru ; and these physical 

 conditions have had a powerful influence on the animal and 

 vegetable forms by which the islands are now inhabited. The 

 Galapagos have also, during three centuries, been frequently 

 visited by Europeans, and were long a favourite resort of 

 buccaneers and traders, Avho found an ample supply of food in 



MiP OF THE GALAPAGOS. 



Tne ligM tint sliows a depth of less than 1,000 fathoms. 

 The figures show the depth in fathoms. 



the large tortoises which abound there ; and to these visits we 

 may perhaps trace the introduction of some animals whose 

 presence it is otherv^^ise difficult to account for. The vegetation 

 is generally scanty, but still amply sufficient for the support of 

 a considerable amount of animal life, as shown by the cattle, 



