CHAP. XIII.] 
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, who found an ample supply of food in 
MAP OF THE GALAPAGOS. 
The light tint shows 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 otherwise 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, 
