bT 
HP/ 
SCKIM!^ 
PREFACE 
The task of describing the East-African Island-World 
must be regarded as a grateful one in itself, for every¬ 
thing unites in lending an exalted charm to the subject. 
In these islands Tropical Nature displays her magic in 
all its fulness, and their history is replete with remarkable 
incidents. If I were master of the power of expression 
of a Bernardin de St. Pierre, whose descriptions of the 
scenes of nature are unsurpassed, I would make the 
attempt to give an adequate picture of the mighty 
Tropical Nature—but I feel that I must confine myself 
to a pale and realistic sketch of that lovely island-world, 
and I thus stand in need of indulgence. 
It is now twelve years since I visited the Seychelles, 
the Mascarenes and Mauritius, regions which had been 
till then but little visited. Events have since that time 
brought the East African Archipelago, especially Mada¬ 
gascar, into the foreground of European interest. As 
during my journey I had devoted myself almost exclusively 
to working out special questions of Natural Science, I 
have been under the necessity of discussing matters foreign 
to my pursuits. 
Fortunately, earlier workers in the same field are not 
wanting. The Mascarenes, for example, have been 
described again and again. Alfred Grandidier, of Paris, 
has devoted his whole life to the exploration of the 
colossal island of Madagascar, and his magnificent work 
forms a rich mine of information 
I am personally greatly indebted to this eminent French 
geographer for having furnished me with effective 
recommendations to the French authorities in Mada¬ 
gascar and thus eminently facilitating my studies. I am 
also indebted to him for sending me his portrait, which 
