Views of nature: or Contemplations on the sublime phenomena of creation / with scientific illustrations

by Alexander von Humboldt

[130]. p. 420—“Of importance in determining the longitude of Lima.”

At the time of my expedition the longitude of Lima, as determined by Malaspina and marked in the maps published by the Deposito Hidrografico de Madrid, was 5^h 16′ 53″. The transit of Mercury over the Sun’s disc, on the 9th of November, 1802 (which I observed at Callao, the port of Lima, from the Round Tower of the Fort of San Felipe), gave for Callao, by the mean of the contact of both limbs, 5^h 18′ 16″ 5; by the external contact only, 5^h 18′ 18″ (79° 34′ 30″). This result, obtained from the transit of Mercury, has been confirmed by Lartigue and Duperrey; and by observations made during Capt. Fitzroy’s expeditions of the “Adventurer” and the “Beagle.” Lartigue fixed the longitude of Callao at 5^h 17′ 58″; Duperrey made it 5^h 18′ 16″; and Capt. Fitzroy 5^h 18′ 15″. After having calculated the longitudinal difference between Callao and the Convent of San Juan de Dios at Lima, by carrying chronometers from the one place to the other during four journeys, I found that the observations of the transit of Mercury determined the longitude of Lima to be 5^h 17′ 51″ (79° 27′ 45″ W. from Paris, or 77° 6′ 3″ W. from Greenwich.) See my Recueil d’observations astron., vol. ii. p. 397, and Relation hist., t. iii. p. 592.

Potsdam, June, 1849.

THE END.

INDEX.

• Abyssinia, elevation of the mountains of, [116], [118].
• Acaciæ, various species of, in South America, [307];
  • of Australia, [313].
• Accaouais, tribe of the, [184].
• Achaguas, savage tribe of, [197].
• Acicular, or needle-leaved trees, natural history of, and their extensive geographical diffusion, [314], et seq.;
  • varieties of, [325], [328].
• Aconcagua, elevation of the volcano of, [205].
• Actiniæ, the, [252].
• Adansonia, a colossal species of dragon-tree (known as the Baobab or monkey-bread tree), [270], [271], [273].
• Aërial Ocean, the influence of its pressure on plants, [292], [295], [296].
• Africa, extensive barren plains in the interior of, [2];
  • deserts of, uninhabitable by man, [3];
  • Oasis of, [2];
  • deserts of described by Herodotus, [9];
  • causes of excessive heat, [9];
  • mountains of, [9];
  • Northern Africa one connected sea of sand, [9], [110];
  • character of its vegetation, [10];
  • two races of men separated by the great north desert, [19], [140];
  • nomadic tribes of, [50].
• Agouti, the antelope of South America, [12].
• Aguas Calientes, elevation of, [208].
• Ahuahuetes, a colossal species of tree, [274].
• Air, currents of, on the vertical ascent of, [266];
  • influence of its pressure on plants, [292], [295], [296].
• Alders, [231].
• Allco, a Peruvian dog, [218].
• Alleghanys, temperature of the, [102], [103].
• Almond tree, the Bertholletia excelsa, [158], [179].
• Aloes, one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [228], [332];
  • various species of, [334].
• Alpine regions, elevation and temperature of, [84].
• Altai, mountain plateau of, [53];
  • the mountain-chain of, [63], [64].
• Aluates, the plaintive cry of the, [199].
• Amazon, plain of the, [6];
  • the wild luxuriance of its regions, [19];
  • called the “Great River” by the natives, [155];
  • its extent, [157];
  • boundless wooded plain of the, [161].
• ——, Upper, plains of, [390];
  • breadth of, at Tomependa, [401].
• Amentaceæ, [194], [285].
• America, migrations to, through Northern Asia, [11], [131];
  • absence of cereal food in, [12];
  • pastoral life unknown to the aborigines, [12];
  • on the cosmological origin of, [105];
  • the southern hemisphere cooler than the northern, [107].
• ——, North, inclination of the eastern shore, [29];
  • natural features and configuration of, [31]–40;
  • no pastoral tribes discovered among the aborigines, [42];
  • on the climate and distribution of heat in, [102] et seq.
• ——, South, the vast Steppes of, [6], [8], [85];
  • physical causes of the diminution of heat, [7], [96] et seq.;
  • presents a remarkable similarity to the south-western continent of the old world, [8], [105];
  • character of its vegetation, [10];
  • aborigines of, [11];
  • cattle of, [11];
  • quadrupeds of, [12], [133];
  • the regions by which the Steppes of, are bounded, [19];
  • the wild luxuriance of nature, [19];
  • various races of man, [20];
  • mountain systems of, [30], [31];
  • forests of, [98];
  • general disquisition on the climate of, [96]–109;
  • vast savannahs of, [98];
  • early civilization of, [130], [131];
  • limits of European civilization in, [140];
  • carved rocks found in, [147]–151;
  • the great rivers of, [155] et seq.;
  • different routes proposed in the unknown portions of, [177];
  • Schomburgk’s journey across the continent of, [176], [177];
  • the early maps of, [181];
  • their uncertainty, [182];
  • immense extent of the woody region between the plains of Venezuela, and the Pampas of Buenos Ayres, [194];
  • the vegetable kingdom of, as yet imperfectly explored, [292]–294;
  • Humboldt’s journey across, from Caxamarca to the Pacific, [393]–420.
• Ammon, temple of, [2];
  • nomos of, [44];
  • the probability of its having stood on the sea-shore, [264].
• Ammonites, found on the Andes, [403].
• Amucu, lake of, [159], [179], [184], [185];
  • where situated, [186], [187].
• Amygdaleæ, [95].
• Anai, village of, [187].
• Andes, chain of the, [31];
  • the seat of active volcanos, [43];
  • inhabited by the Spanish race, [192];
  • chain of, in Bolivia, various elevations of the, [205];
  • sojourn on the ridge of the, [290];
  • paramos of the, [292];
  • Humboldt’s journey across, from Caxamarca to the Pacific Ocean, [390]–420;
  • elevation of, at the Paramo del Assuay, [393];
  • succession of Paramos, [407];
  • picturesquely marked by masses of erupted porphyry and trachyte, [403];
  • marine fossils found 12,800 feet above the level of the sea, [403];
  • illustrative notes of the, [421];
  • derivation of, [423];
  • the point where they are intersected by the magnetic equator, [407], [429].
• Animal kingdom, great divisions of the, [222].
• Animal life existing in the solitudes of the loftiest mountains, [210];
  • in the atmosphere, in the waters, and the earth, [211]–214.
• Animalcules of the atmosphere, the water, and the earth, [211]–214.
• Animals which yield milk, [11], [125], [126];
  • of South America, [12], [133];
  • struggles and conflicts of, [17];
  • on the hybernation of, [242], [243];
  • domestic, inquiry respecting the origin of, [52];
  • nocturnal life of, in the primeval forests of South America, [191] et seq.;
  • traits of, [198], [199];
  • various cries of, [199], [200];
  • illustrative notes, [202].
• Antilles, sea of the, [23];
  • springs among the islands of the, [155], [174];
  • inhabited by the Spanish race, [191].
• Antisana, mountainous plain of, [17];
  • great elevation of, [139];
  • cavern of, its great elevation, [237];
  • volcano of, [371].
• Anurahdepura, the sacred fig-tree of, [275].
• Aparecidas las islands so called, [24].
• Apes, the foreboders of rain, [20], [141];
  • nocturnal cry of, [199], [203].
• Aposentos de Mulalo, of the Andes, [393], [423].
• Apure, River, steppes of the, [6];
  • observations on, [194].
• ——, Llanos de, temperature of, [137].
• Aqueducts, of the Peruvians, [398].
• Aragua, valley of, [24].
• Arborescent vegetation, [322].
• Aristolochia, immense blossoms of the, [230], [348].
• Armadillo, of South America, [12].
• Arum cordifolium, vital heat of the, [330].
• Arundinaria, [180].
• Ascaris, [213], [251].
• Asia, Central, contains the largest steppes in the world, [3], [4], [94];
  • the mountain plateaux of, [53]–62;
  • table of elevations, [58];
  • general review of the mountain chains of, [63]–73;
  • the volcanos of, distant from the sea, [65];
  • vegetation of the steppes of, [95].
• Astrææ, the, [253].
• Atabapo, the river, [159];
  • blackness of its water, [160].
• Atahuallpa, the ancient fortress and palace of, [408]–411;
  • his captivity, [410], [429];
  • historical notices of, [411] et seq.;
  • death of, and the appearance of a comet, [429];
  • his descendants at Caxamarca, [11], [411]–413.
• Ataruipe, cave of, the tomb of an extinct tribe, [171], [188];
  • numerous skeletons found, [171], [172].
• Atlantic Ocean, northern waters of, agitated by a gyratory movement, [120]–122;
  • form of a longitudinal furrowed valley, [154], [174];
  • calmness of its surface in certain latitudes, [154], [174].
• Atlantic and Pacific, immense advantages to be derived from a communication, [433].
• Atlantis, Island of, [55].
• Atlas, Mount, covered with perpetual snow, [9];
  • inhabitants to the north of, [19];
  • Greater and Lesser, remarks on, [88], [89];
  • elevation of, [89];
  • on the position of the Atlas of the ancients, [110]–113.
• Atmosphere, animalcules of the, [211];
  • the influence of its pressure on plants, [222], [295], [296].
• Atolls (coral-walls), situation of, [254];
  • origin of, [259];
  • process of formation of, [262].
• Atures, cataracts of the, [153] et seq.;
  • general account of, [162] et seq.
• ——, the brave Indian tribe, melancholy legend of, [172];
  • verses on the parrot of, [189].
• Australia, Acacias, Myrtaceæ, and Casuarinæ, the principal vegetable forms of, [313].
• Auvergne, plateau of, its elevation, [58].
• Avars, early migration of the, [5].
• Avenacecæ, [128].
• Axum, plateau of, its elevation, [58].
• Azteks, ruins of the fortress of the, [127];
  • seat of the, [207];
  • relics of civilization found, [207];
  • pyramidal buildings of the, [398].
• Badger, hybernation of the, [244].
• Balboa, Vasco de, his adventurous expedition over the South American Continent, [418], [432].
• Balch Pass, elevation of the, [79].
• Bambusaceæ, one of the most beautiful ornaments of tropical climates, [334], [335].
• Bananas, [221];
  • one of the plants by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [224], [227];
  • cultivated from the earliest infancy of civilization, [305].
• Banisterias, [173].
• “Banks,” of steppes, probably the marine shoals of the primeval world, [1], [26];
  • phenomena of, explained, [27];
  • composed of floetz strata, [28];
  • immense tracts of, in the deserts of Africa and Asia, [28].
• Banyan-tree, colossal size of, [275].
• Baobab, colossal dimensions of the, [271], [272].
• Baraguan, narrow pass of, [162].
• Barjikang Pass, elevation and vegetation of the, [78].
• Basalt, formation of, [218].
• Bats of the South American steppes, [15].
• Bavaria, plateau of, its elevation, [58].
• “Bay of Sadness,” [155].
• Bear, hybernation of the, [224].
• Bees, discovered at the summit of the Rocky Mountains, [33].
• Befaria, the purple-flowering, [23].
• Beke, on the Mountains of the Moon, [115], [116].
• Bengal, bay of, an arrested effort of Nature to form an inland sea, [254].
• Bertholletia excelsa, colossal size of, [158], [179].
• Bignonia, [173].
• Binimi, fatal expedition to, [188].
• Birds, hybernation of, [242];
  • the ratio of their numerical distribution, [288].
• Bison, of North America, [40]–42.
• Bixa Orellana, pigment of, [171].
• Black Sea. See Euxine.
• Boa-constrictor of the Orinoco, [20], [142];
  • periodic torpidity of, [243].
• Bolivia, geographical observations on, [204], [205].
• Bolson de Massimi, el, elevation of, [208].
• Bombaceæ, one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [224].
• Botany. See Plants and Vegetation.
• Bougainvillæa, new and beautiful species of, [400], [401].
• Brahmins, geographical notions of the, [67].
• Branco River, [178], [181], [182], [183], [184].
• Buenos Ayres, situation and temperature of, [109].
• Buffalo, of South America, [11], [125], [126];
  • of the Mississippi, [40]–42.
• Butterflies, on the summit of Mont Blanc and on the Chimborazo, [232], [233].
• Cacao, Montes de, [194]–202.
• Cactus, the, [15], [138];
  • one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [225];
  • indigenous to America, [310];
  • its natural history, [311], [312].
• Caladium, belongs exclusively to tropical climates, [329].
• California, mountain coast-range of, [36], [37];
  • volcanos still active in, [37];
  • its golden treasures, and the advantages of the discovery, [433].
• Cameji, on the Orinoco, [163];
  • mouth of the, [166].
• Camel, “the ship of the desert,” [3], [51];
  • great utility of the, [51];
  • natural history of the, [52], [53].
• Camosi, rock of, [165].
• Canada, monument discovered in the prairies of, [82].
• Cañar, fortress of, [394], [424].
• Canaries, inhabited by the Spanish race, [191].
• Caouac, the food of the Indians, [145].
• Cape Nun, situation of, [93].
• Cape Town, situation and temperature of, [139].
• Capybara, of the Orinoco, [198].
• Caracas, alpine valleys of 1, [2], [4];
  • the vast steppes of, [6];
  • littoral chain of, [22];
  • a mountainous region, [23];
  • sugar-cane of, [26];
  • Llanos of, [26], [94];
  • plateau of, its elevation, [58].
• Carguairazo, volcano of, falling in of the summit from an eruption, and curious phenomenon, [367].
• Caribbean Gulf, [1].
• —— Islands, disintegration of the, [23].
• Carichana, Indian mission of, [161].
• Carolinias, [160].
• Carpathian Mountains, general features of the, [40].
• Casas Grandas, ruins of an Aztek palace, [126].
• Caschmere, valley of, [69].
• Cassiquiare, the river of, [159], [160].
• Cactaceæ, [138].
• Castille, plateau of, its elevation, [58].
• Casuarineæ, [221];
  • one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [226];
  • the principal vegetable form of Australia, [313], [314];
  • physiognomy of the, [330].
• Cataracts of the Orinoco, dissertation on the, [139] et seq.;
  • illustrative notes to, [174]–190.
• —— of Maypures and Atures, general account of, [162] et seq.
• Cattle of South America, [11], [125];
  • vast quantities of, in the Pampas of, [14], [137].
• Caura, sources of the, [162].
• Causeways of the Inca road over the Andes, [394], [424].
• Caxamarca (the ancient capital of the Inca Atahuallpa), Humboldt’s journey over the plateau or table-land of, [390]–420;
  • the scene of the sanguinary history of the Spanish conquest, [403];
  • originally called Cassamarca, the “City of Frost,” [407];
  • fertile valley of, [407];
  • general description of, [408];
  • ancient fort and palace of Atahuallpa, [408]–411;
  • descendants of the Inca resident at, [411]–415;
  • Humboldt’s departure from, [415];
  • and arrival at the Pacific, [419];
  • illustrative notes on, [421]–436.
• Cayos Flamenco, Bonito, &c. coral islands of, [257].
• Celaya, elevation of the, [208].
• Central fire of the earth connected with volcanic eruptions, [65], [66], [67], [360], [361], [372].
• Cereals, on the culture of, [128], [129].
• Cerro Duida River, [178].
• Cervus Mexicanus, [133].
• Cesalpineæ, [220].
• Chagos Bank, formed of coral, [254], [255].
• Chamaya, Rio de, [399], [400], [401];
  • fall of its waters, [400], [427].
• Chasars, early migration of the, [5].
• Cherson, situation and temperature of, [104].
• Chiguires, herds of, in South America, [12], [135].
• Chihuahua, elevation of, [208].
• Chimborazo, elevation of, [43];
  • butterflies and other winged insects found on the summit of, [210], [232];
  • peculiar colour of the water flowing from, [160];
  • elevation of the four peaks, Pomarape, Gualateiri, Parinacota, and Sahama, [204];
  • the vertical height, [234];
  • probable derivation of the name, [234];
  • defined as “the snow of Chimbo,” [235];
  • the name probably transmitted from a bygone age, [235].
• Chinchilla, the, [233].
• Chinchon, Countess de, biographical notices of, [390], [422].
• Chinese, ancient orographic knowledge of the, [56].
• Choropampa, plain of, [406].
• Chota, ruins of, [204];
  • silver mines of, [402], [403].
• Cidaris, species of, [403].
• Cinchona, its first discovery and medical virtues, [390], [422];
  • its habitat and natural history, [391].
• Cinchona bark hunters, [281].
• Civilization, limits of, in South America, [19], [140];
  • and remains of, [207];
  • progressive stages of, [398];
  • in ancient Mexico and Peru, [425].
• Climate, of South America, [7];
  • general disquisition on, [95] et seq.;
  • of North America, [100] et seq.;
  • forms the various characteristics of nations, [219].
• Climbing plants, [331], [332].
• Coast Reefs, situation of, [253].
• Cochabamba, Cordilleras of, [84].
• Cocuyza, el Mogote de, rock of, [161].
• Cœlebogyne, germination of the, [245].
• Colossochelys, [222].
• Columbia, cataracts and shores of the, [37].
• Columbus, his voyage through the fucus banks of the ocean, [49], [50];
  • his first discovery of the new continent, [156], [175], [432];
  • his observations on the equinoctial currents, [175].
• Compositæ, numerical relations of the, [279], [280], [281], [283], [284], [286];
  • numerous species of, [291].
• Condor, the giant among vultures, [210], [237];
  • various names of the, [237];
  • its native region, [237];
  • immense altitude to which it soars, [237], [238];
  • its habits, [239];
  • mode of capture, [239].
• Coniferæ, [194], [221];
  • on the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [227];
  • their extensive geographical diffusion, [314], [322], [323], et seq.
• Coral animals, labours of the, [214].
• —— animalcules, wonderful formation of, [252] et seq.;
  • depth at which they can exist, [259].
• —— Islands, [257].
• —— Reefs, natural history of, [253], [257] et seq.
• Corals, the greatest number in the Ægean Sea, [259];
  • various forms of, in the Red Sea, [255].
• Cordilleras, of South America, vast extent of, [42];
  • names of the highest points, [43];
  • of Cochabamba, [84];
  • of Peru, [210];
  • deserts of the, [393];
  • remains of the great road of the Incas across the, [393].
• Corentyn River, exploration of the, [150].
• Cormolache, mountain of, [404].
• Cosiquiriachi, elevation of, [208].
• Cosmos, quoted. See Humboldt.
• Creeping Plants, [227], [331].
• Crescentia, delicate blossoms from the rough bark, [230], [348].
• Crocodile, of the Orinoco, [20], [142], [198];
  • periodic torpidity of, [243].
• Crotalus, the, [251].
• Cruciferæ, [95], [285], [286].
• Cryptogamia, [215];
  • wonderful regermination of the, [241];
  • numerical distribution of, [337].
• Cumadanimari, hills of, [164].
• Cumana, expedition to, [181].
• Cunabami, mountain group of, [162].
• Cupiliferæ, their geographical distribution, [322].
• Curata, the Indian name of the colossal grass of South America, [180].
• Curare, an Indian poison, [151], [152].
• Curtius, Professor, his verses on the Parrot of the Atures, [189].
• Cuzco, the capital of the Incas of Peru, [395];
  • ancient fortress of, [397], [398].
• Cyathea speciosa, [338].
• Cyclidiæ, the, [213].
• Cynometia, delicate blossoms spring from the rough bark, [348].
• Cyperaceæ (Cypresses), [94], [95], [231], [284];
  • gigantic forms of, [326].
• Date Palms, geographical situation of, [297], [302].
• Dead, Indian method of preserving the, [171].
• Dead Sea, specimens of the Porites elongata from the, [260].
• Delf and Pottery, remains of, found in South America, [207].
• Deserts, general view of, [1] et seq.;
  • of Africa, [2], [3];
  • probable causes of their sterility, [10];
  • of Northern Africa, [110].
  • See Steppes.
• Dhawalagiri, elevation of the, [68], [71], [236].
• Dicotyledons, numerous species of, [292].
• Diodorus, his traditions respecting the primeval formation of the Mediterranean and of Samothrace, [262], [263].
• Diœcious Plants, fructification of, [244], [246].
• Djawahir, elevation of the, [69], [71].
• Djebel-al-Komr, the Mountains of the Moon, [9].
• Dogs, wild, herds of, in South America, [85];
  • objects of Indian adoration, [85];
  • natural history of, [86]–88.
• Dolphins of the Orinoco, [199], [202].
• Dorado, fabulous, [185], [188].
• “Dormideras,” the name of, applied to certain plants, [94].
• Dormouse, hybernation of the, [243].
• Dragon Tree, colossal dimensions of the, [220], [268] et seq.;
  • its habitats, [268];
  • its prodigious age, [269], [270].
• Dragon’s Mouth, at the entrance of the Orinoco, [155], [175].
• Drought of the Steppes, [14], [15];
  • effects of the change from, [16], [139].
• Duida, the mountain of, described, [158].
• Durango, in Mexico, elevation of, [268].
• Earth, the food of the Otomaks and other Indians, [142]–146;
  • on the indurating and heat-emitting mass of the, [218], [267], [268].
• Earthquake, submersion of a forest by an, [28];
  • evidence of subterranean fire communications, [360];
  • of 1811 and 1813, which shook the various parts of the New Continent, [260].
• Eels, electric, [17];
  • mode of capturing, [18];
  • experiments on, [113].
• Egypt, once overflowed by the sea, [264];
  • left uncovered by the retreat of the Mediterranean, [264].
• El Dorado, the fable of, [159].
• Elater Noctilucus, phosphorescence emitted from the, [250].
• Elbow Lake, situation of, [40].
• Electric Fishes, [248].
• Electricity, operations and extent of, [19], [140].
• Elements, perpetual struggle of the, [387].
• Elias, Mount, an active volcano, [37].
• Elysian Plains, of the ancients, [111].
• Encaramada, engravings on the rock of, [164].
• Engravings on the rocks of central America, [147], [148];
  • on the rocks of Uruana and Encaramada, [164].
• Ephedra, the different species of, [328].
• Epicharmus, the philosopher of Syracuse, his illustrations of vital force from the painting of the “Rhodian Genius,” [383]–385.
• Equinoctial Current, observations on the, [175].
• Eratosthenes, geographical views of, [67].
• Ericaceæ, [308], [310];
  • the vegetable covering of the earth’s surface, [110], [225].
  • See Heaths.
• Escalloniæ, of the family of the Eriaceæ, geographical distribution of, [344].
• Esmeralda, town of, [176], [179].
• Esquimaux. See Indians.
• Euglenes, the, [213].
• Euphorbiaceæ, [197], [245], [285].
• Euxine, primeval outburst of the waters of, [262];
  • originally an inland lake, [263];
  • forced the passage of the Dardanelles, [263];
  • extract from Strabo, recording the primeval convulsion of its waters on the authority of Strato, [263].
• Fan Palms of South America, [12], [13], [135], [136].
• Fair Weather, Mount, an active volcano, [38].
• Ferns, growth of, in different climates, [108];
  • one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [229], [337]–340;
  • numerical relation and geographical distribution of, [280], [337];
  • climatic relations under which they flourish, [339], [340].
• Fish, the swimming-bladder of, [251].
• Flamingoes, multitudes of, [197].
• Floetz, strata of, [1].
• Flora Japonica, curious properties of the, [320].
• Forests of South America, [19], [98];
  • plants composing the, [280].
• —— primeval, on the nocturnal life of animals in the, [191] et seq.;
  • between the Orinoco and the Amazon, [193];
  • definition and description of, [193];
  • the Spanish word Monte applied both to a forest and a mountain, [193];
  • between the plains of Venezuela and Pampas of Buenos Ayres, immense extent of, [194];
  • of Europe and Northern Asia, [194];
  • impenetrability of some portions of, [195];
  • illustrative notes, [202].
• Fort George, situation and temperature of, [104].
• Fossils, Marine, found on the Andes, [403], [428].
• “Fountain of Youth,” fatal expedition to discover the, [188].
• Frémont, Captain, geographical investigations of, [29], [32];
  • lofty peak called after his name, [32], [33].
• Fresnillo, elevation of, [208].
• Frogs, vitality of, under water, [242].
• Fucus, immense size of the marine Macrocystis pyrifera, [276];
  • banks of the ocean, [47]–50.
• Galapagos, the, [256].
• Gallinazos, different species of, [239];
  • appreciated for their utility, [240].
• Gallionellæ, [212].
• Gambia, the river, [3].
• Gebette River, [179].
• Geneva, situation and temperature of, [104].
• Geognostic (or Geological) profiles, [33].
• Gerard, Dr., his visit to Shahil Pass, [76].
• Gila River, delf and pottery found on the banks of, [207].
• Globe, primeval, distribution of land and water different from the present, [164].
• Glumaceæ, [95];
  • numerical relation of the, [279], [283], [284].
• Gobi, Steppe of, [5], [58];
  • elevation of, [59].
• Gomphrenas, [214].
• Gonzales, Juan, shipwrecked, [172].
• Gothard, Mont, height of, [35].
• Gottenburg, situation and temperature of, [104].
• Gramineæ, [94], [285], [286].
• Granite, masses of leaden-coloured, [19], [141];
  • turned black by the waters of the Orinoco, [163], [164].
• Grasses of the Steppes, [16];
  • farinaceous, culture of, [128];
  • colossal stalks of a species of, [158], [180];
  • arborescent, [221];
  • one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [228], [334]–337.
• Greeks, extent of their maritime discoveries, [111].
• Grossulariaceæ, [310].
• Guaharibes, waterfall of the, [158].
• Guaicas, tribe of the, [158].
• Guainia, the river, [159], [160].
• Gualgaya, argentiferous mountain of, [404];
  • value of silver obtained from, [405].
• Guamani, Paramo de, [417].
• Guanaco, of South America, [126].
• Guanaxuato, elevation of, [208].
• Guancabamba, Rio de, [398];
  • the swimming couriers of, [399], [400].
• Guanches, race of the, [51].
• Guangamarca, Andes pass of, [417], [418].
• Guaranes, a tribe of South America, [12], [13], [134], [135].
• Guareke Indians, savannahs inhabited by the, [163];
  • melancholy legend of the, [172];
  • their extinction, [172];
  • skeletons and skulls of, [172].
• Guaviare, the river, [159], [160].
• Guayaquil, Rio de, peculiar blackness of its water, [160].
• Guaycas, Indians, [178].
• Guiana, the granitic stones of, [155];
  • impenetrable forests of, [161];
  • method of preserving the dead among the tribes of, [171];
  • observations on the coast of, [176].
• Guinea, negroes of, eat earth, [145].
• Guirion, mission of, [182].
• Gulf-stream of Mexico, [121]–124.
• Gustavia, delicate blossoms spring from the rough bark, [230], [348].
• Gymnotus, the electric eel, [17];
  • mode of capturing, [18];
  • experiments on, [139].
• Hami, oasis of, [62].
• Hanno, Periplus of, [113].
• Harudsch, desert near the mountains of, [2];
  • basaltic mountains of, [44];
  • geological features of, [45].
• Heat, physical causes for the diminution of in South America, [7];
  • general disquisition on, [96] et seq.;
  • of North America, [103] et seq.;
  • of the interior of the earth, [373], [379].
• Heaths, of northern Europe, may be regarded as steppes, [2].
• ——, (Ericaceæ), one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of nature is principally determined, [225];
  • the habitats and natural history of, [308], [309].
• Hedgehog, hybernation of the, [212].
• “Hell’s Mouth,” the whirlpool so called, [162].
• Hermesia castanifolia, [197], [202].
• Herodotus, has described the deserts of Northern Africa, [9].
• Herrera, his observations on the voyage of Columbus, [156], [175].
• Hesperides, of the ancients, [111].
• Hillhouse, Mr., navigates the Massaruni, [184], [185].
• Himalaya, estimated height of the, [32];
  • mountain plateau of the, [54];
  • the mountain chain of, [63], [68];
  • observations of various travellers, [70];
  • general elevation of, [71];
  • on the perpetual snow-line of the, [74].
• Hindoo-Coosh, situation of the, [67].
• Hiongnu, a tribe of Eastern Asia, [52], [80], [81].
• Hobart Town, situation and temperature of, [109].
• Hordaceæ, [128].
• Horse, the constant attendant of man, [17];
  • everywhere exposed to attack, [17].
• Huancaya, canine worship of the Indians of, [85].
• Huayna Capac, of the family of the Incas, [412], [430], [431].
• Humboldt, Alexander von, his journey over the plateau or table-land of Caxamarca to the shores of the Pacific, [390]–420
  • • (see Caxamarca);
  • illustrative notes of the journey, [421]–436.
• ——, works of, referred to in various notes;—
  • Annales de Chimie et de Physique, [152], [278].
  • Annales des Sciences Naturelles, [205], [255], [258], [328].
  • Asie Centrale, [59], [61], [62], [63], [64], [65], [67], [69], [71], [73], [89], [91], [97], [99], [113], [234], [260].
  • Cosmos, [41], [49], [53], [73], [114], [118], [124], [265], [273], [303], [305], [346], [388], [389].
  • De Distributione geographica plantarum, [278], [296], [304], [338], [343].
  • Essai Politique sur la Nouvelle Espagne, [31], [34], [37], [43], [88], [206], [257], [305], [306], [430], [434].
  • Essai sur la Géographie des Plantes, [84], [129], [136], [138], [277], [281], [305], [306].
  • Examen Critique de l’Histoire de la Géographie, [32], [48], [50], [88], [134], [236], [265], [271], [316], [322].
  • Fragment d’un tableau géologique de l’Amérique Méridionale, [23].
  • Letter to the Editor of the Annalen der Physik und Chemie, [249].
  • Mémoire sur les Montagnes de l’Inde, [53].
  • Mémoire sur les Lignes Isothermes, [87].
  • Nouvelles Annales des Voyages, [185].
  • Recueil d’Observations Astronomiques, [234], [238], [428].
  • Recueil d’Observations de Zoologie et d’Anatomie Comparée, [24], [139], [141], [203], [237], [251].
  • Relation Historique du Voyage aux
  • Régions équinoxiales, [29], [29], [46], [48], [82], [85], [133], [134], [137], [139], [141], [144], [147], [152], [180], [202], [203], [242], [250], [269], [305], [336], [338], [432], [434].
  • Sur la Fixation des limites des Guyanes Française et Portuguaise, [178].
  • Treatise on the Quina Woods, [423].
  • Uber die gereizte Muskel- und Nervenfaser, [295].
  • Vues des Cordillères et Monumens des Peuples indigènes de l’Amérique, [131], [236], [269], [424], [425].
• Humming-birds, seen at an elevation of 14,600 feet, [237].
• Huns, early migration of the, [5];
  • various races of, [80], [81].
• Hybernation of animals, [242], [243].
• Hydras, the, [252].
• Hylæa, of the Amazon, [6].
• Hymeneæ, [220].
• Hypsometric observations on the heights of mountains and their peaks, [204]–209.
• Illimani Peaks, situation and elevation of, [204].
• Inca roads of Peru, remains of, [393]–397, [424];
  • flights of steps, [395], [424].
• Inca Roca, State policy of, [431].
• Incas of Peru, their early conquest of Quito, [236];
  • ancient fort and palace of the, at Caxamarca, [408]–411;
  • descendants of, [411]–413;
  • treasures taken from their temples by the Spaniards, [410], [430];
  • their worship of the Sun, [430], [431];
  • expected restoration of their ancient rule, [415], [432].
  • See Atahuallpa.
• India, mountain plateaux of, [55].
• Indians, driven on the coast of Germany, [124];
  • of the Orinoco, method of preserving their dead, [171].
• Infusoria, vital tenacity of, [241], [242], [244];
  • marine, luminosity of the, [247] et seq.
• Insect life in the atmosphere, the ocean, and the earth, [211]–214.
• Insects, carried to an elevation of 19,000 feet above the plains, [232], [233].
• “Inundation, the Valley of,” [183].
• Ipomucena Islands, [187].
• Ipurucotos, tribe of the, [182].
• Islands formed of coral reefs, [257].
• Italian scenery, [216];
  • sky, [217].
• Jagua Palm, beauties of the 392.
• Jaguar, of South America, [12];
  • traits of the, [195], [196], [197].
• Jainti-dhára, elevation of the, [80].
• Jao, sources of the, [162];
  • mouth of, [164].
• Japan, history of the peopling of, [12], [131];
  • the character of its vegetation different from that of the Asiatic continent, [320].
• Jardin des Plantes, at Paris, rich collections of the, [287], [288].
• Jardines del Rey, [257].
• Jarures, race of the, [20].
• Juncaceæ, [95], [285].
• Kalmuck-Kirghis tribes, extensive steppes occupied by, [3].
• Kashmir, valley of, its elevation, [59].
• Keeling-Atoll, a coral lagoon, [255].
• Keri, rocks of, [163], [164], [165].
• Kinchinjinga, the highest point of the Himalaya, [68].
• Kuen-lün, the mountain plateau of, [53];
  • the mountain chain of, [63], [66], [67].
• Kyllyngiæ, the steppes covered with, [16].
• Kyungar Pass, elevation and vegetation of, [79].
• Labiatæ, [285], [286].
• Lagoon Islands, [254];
  • hypothesis respecting, [261].
• Lagos, elevation of, [208].
• Lake Istaca, sources and elevation of, [40].
• —— Superior, its elevation, [39].
• Lakhur Pass, ascent to the, [80].
• Lama, of South America, [126].
• Landscape-painters, leading forms of vegetation, instructions to, [346].
• —— painting, on the beauties of, as derived from the vegetable kingdom, [346], [347].
• Languages, variety of, in the South American wilds, [20];
  • changes in the terms of, [191];
  • in language truth to nature should be the chief object, [192].
• Latent life, disquisition on, [242], [243].
• Lecideæ, [10], [125].
• Leguminosæ, [280], [284], [285], [286].
• Lemaur, Don F., his trigonometrical survey of the Bahia de Xagua, [174].
• Lepidosiren, periodic torpidity of, [243].
• Leprariæ, the, [214].
• Leucopria, [213];
  • modulata, [251].
• Lianes, or creeping plants, one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [227], [331].
• Lichens, [10], [125].
• Liliaceæ, one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is chiefly determined, [229], [341].
• Lima, observations for determining the longitude of, [420], [435], [436].
• Limande, of the Orinoco, [203].
• Lions, of South America, [12];
  • nocturnal roar of, [199];
  • not to be found in the Sahara, [90].
• Lithodendra, the, [253].
• Lithophytes, the, [214], [251] et seq.
• Llanos of South America, [2];
  • the great plains of the, [7];
  • extent of, [8];
  • adapted for breeding cattle, [10];
  • have become habitable to man, [13], [14];
  • extension of, [22];
  • of Caracas, [26], [27], [94];
  • elevation of, [27];
  • of Barcelona, [28];
  • effect of, on the mind, [28];
  • general observations on, [29];
  • of the valley of the Amazon, [83];
  • situated in the torrid zone, [88];
  • de Apure, temperature of, [137];
  • extensively overflowed by the Orinoco, [185].
• Löffling’s expedition to Cumana, [181].
• London’s Arboretum, &c., quoted, [273].
• Loxa, town of, [390].
• Luminosity of sea-water, [246];
  • attributed to Mollusca, [247] et seq.
• Lupata, Cordilleras of, covered with eternal snow, [9];
  • mountain range of, [120].
• Lyctonia, ancient land of, [265], [266].
• Macos, race of the, [20].
• Macrocystis pyrifera, a species of marine fucus, colossal size of, [276].
• Macusi Indians, religious traditions of the, [147].
• Madagascar River, hedgehogs and tortoises of, [242], [243].
• Madrepores, the, [253].
• Magdalena River, called “The Great Water,” by the natives, [155];
  • valley of, [416].
• Magellan, straits of, the temperature of, [107].
• Magnetic needle, physical effects of the sudden variations of the, [249].
• Mahu River, description of the, [186].
• Majonkong Indians, mountainous country of the, [176], [180].
• Malvaceæ (Mallows), one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [224];
  • its various families, [305], [306];
  • on the natural history of the, [306].
• Mammalia, the ratio of their numerical distribution, [287], [288].
• Man, various races of, in the South American wilds, [20], [142];
  • his ferocity in a savage state, [20], [151];
  • discordant elements of, even in civilized life, [21];
  • everywhere is man opposed to man, [21];
  • the monuments of his creative genius pass away, while the life-springs of Nature remain eternal, [173].
• Manco Capac, his mysterious appearance in Peru, [397].
• Manimi, perilous cataract ledges of, [166].
• Mapires, the coffins of the Indians, [171].
• Maps, of South America, [181].
• Maquitares, race of the, [20].
• Mar de Sargasso, geographical situation of, [48].
• Marañon, valley of, [402].
• Maravaca, mountain of, [179].
• Marmot, the, [233].
• Massaruni River, navigated, [184], [185].
• Mastodons, elephantine, [222].
• Matter, vital force of, affinitive and repulsive, [383];
  • various combinations of, [384], [385].
• Mauritia-palms of South America, [12];
  • useful and nutritious properties of, [13], [135], [136].
• Maypures, cataracts of, [153] et seq.;
  • general account of the waterfalls of, [162], et seq.;
  • missionary village of, [163];
  • Parrot of, [172].
• Mediterranean, great catastrophe by which it was formed, [216], [262]–265;
  • Strato’s account of, [263].
• ——, three peninsulas of the, Iberian, Italian, and Hellenic, [265].
• Medusa hysocella, electric light struck from the, [249].
• Mehemet Ali, his exploring expeditions to the Mountains of the Moon, [117].
• Melastomaceæ, [160];
  • one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [229], [346].
• Melocactuses, the, [15], [138], [226];
  • vegetable springs, [312].
• Meta, whirlpool and rock at the entrance of the, [161].
• Mexican Gulf, rotatory stream of the, [121]–124;
  • coral islands in the, [256].
• Mexico, plateau of, its elevation, [58];
  • elevation of, in the equinoctial zone, [208];
  • general elevation of, [209];
  • the Coniferæ and oaks of, [315] et seq.
• Microscope, wonderful discoveries of the, [211].
• Migrations, through northern Asia to the western coast of America, [11], [131].
• Mimosas, the steppes of South America covered with, [16], [216];
  • one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [224];
  • the habitat and natural history of, [307], [308].
• Mirage, deceptive appearances of the, [13], [137].
• Mississippi, its sources and elevation, [39];
  • the forest, prairies of, [40];
  • temperature of the valley of the, [102], [103].
• Missouri, deposits of the, [38].
• Mœris, Lake, probably once connected with the sea, [244].
• Mollusca, marine luminosity of the, [246], [247] et seq.
• Monad, question respecting the, [241].
• Mongolian Steppe, in Central Asia, [4], [19]
• Monkeys of South America, cries of, [199], [203].
• Monocotyledons, numerous species of, [212].
• Moon, natural representations of, [165].
• ——, Mountains of the, [9];
  • disquisition on, [114], [115].
• Mont Blanc, [210].
• Monte, the term, in Spanish, applied both to mountain and forest, [194].
• Monte Video, situation and temperature of, [104].
• —— Nuovo, in the Peloponnesus, [356].
• Mouflon, the long-horned, of South America, [11].
• Mountains, of South America, system of, [30], [31];
  • plan for measuring the heights of, [33];
  • vast range in North America, [35]–38;
  • the Cordilleras the longest chain in the world, [42], [43];
  • plateaux of Asia, [53]–62;
  • table of elevations, [68];
  • general view of the great mountain chains of Asia, [63]–73;
  • on the snow-lines of, [73] et seq.;
  • masses of, in South America, [84];
  • numerous terms for, in the Castilian dialects, [191], [202];
  • the names of, derived from the most ancient relics of languages, [236];
  • transparency of the atmosphere of, [238];
  • process of their formation, [262].
• Mule, instinctive cunning of the, for allaying his thirst, [15].
• Musk Ox, of South America, [11], [125];
  • of the Mississippi, [40].
• Muyscas, the ancient inhabitants of New Granada, [425];
  • civilization of, [426].
• Mylodon robustus, [222].
• Myrtaceæ (Myrtles), [179], [280];
  • of Australia, [312];
  • one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [229], [343]–345.
• Mysore, plateau of, its elevation, [58].
• Naiads, the, [213].
• Nations, characteristics of, formed by climate, [219].
• Natron Lakes, of Egypt, [44].
• Nature, the study of, conducive to intellectual repose, [21];
  • her powerful influence in the regions of the tropics, [154], [215];
  • the life-springs of, ever prolific and eternal, [173];
  • the many voices of, revealed in animal existence, [200]–201;
  • periodic stagnation of 215;
  • great convulsion of, in the Mediterranean, [216], [262]–265;
  • general physiognomy of, [218], [219];
  • principally determined by sixteen forms of plants, [221];
  • vital force of, illustrated by Epicharmus, [383]–385.
• Negroes, various hordes of, in Africa, [19].
• Nemterequeteba, the ancient Peruvian “messenger of God,” [397], [425], [426].
• Nevado de Sorata, immense elevation of, [43].
• —— de Illimani, elevation of, [43].
• —— situation and elevation of peaks, [204].
• New Granada, the ancient seat of civilization, [425], [426];
  • the native land of the potato, [426], [427].
• Niagara, origin of the falls of, [165].
• Nile, on the sources of the, [115]–129;
  • windings of, in Abyssinia, [157].
• Noon-day, the stillness of in the tropics, contrasted with the night, [200];
  • all larger animals then take refuge in the forest, [201].
• Oaks, cover the mountain plains of the equator in South America, [231];
  • immense size and age of an oak in the department of Charente, [275];
  • elevated situation of, growing in Mexico, [135].
• Oases, of the African desert, [2], [3];
  • number of, in Egypt, [44];
  • the name of, Egyptian, [45].
• Ocean, vegetation of the, [48], [49];
  • phosphorescence of the, [212], [245].
• Ocellinæ, the, [253].
• Oco, rock of, [163].
• Opuntiaceæ, [310].
• Orange River, its elevation, [58].
• —— trees, number and magnitude of, in the Huertas de Pucara, [400].
• Orchideæ, natural history of the, [312], [313];
  • one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [226], [227].
• Oregon, territory of, [35];
  • temperature of, [104].
• Orinoco, the wild luxuriance of its regions, [19];
  • rock engravings on the banks of, [82];
  • the great steppe extending from the mouth of the, [81];
  • accounts of the cataracts of, [153] et seq.;
  • the name unknown in the interior of the country, [155];
  • simply called “the river,” [155];
  • current produced by the, [155];
  • the mighty waters of poured into the Atlantic, [156];
  • general description of, [157] et seq.;
  • its general course and remarkable windings, [159];
  • picturesque rocky vales of, [161];
  • its course along the chain of the Parime, [161], [162];
  • separates the forest of Guiana from the extensive savannahs, [162];
  • danger to boatmen from floating forest trees, [162];
  • possesses the singular property of colouring black the reddish masses of granite, [163], [164];
  • on the sources of the, [158], [175], [176], [178], [180];
  • the ancient water level considerably depressed, [164];
  • illustrative notes, [174]–190;
  • passes through the mountains of the Parime, [200].
• Orotava, colossal dragon-tree of, [268], [269].
• Orphic Argonaut, mythical narrations of, [265].
• Otaheiti, sugar cane of, [25].
• Otomacs, or Ottomaks, a tribe of Indians who eat earth, lizards, &c., [20], [142], [143];
  • observations on, [144], [145];
  • the poison curare used by, [151].
• Ox, the constant attendant of man, [17];
  • everywhere exposed to attack, [17].
• Pacaraima Mountains, [182], [183], [184].
• ——, latitude of, [185], [186].
• Pachydermata, [222].
• Pacific Ocean, first view of, from the Guangamarca of the Andes, [419];
  • immense advantages to be derived from a direct communication with the Atlantic, [433].
• Paco, of South America, [126].
• Padano River, [176], [179].
• Padurello, [212].
• Palms of South America, [12], [13], [135], [136], [298];
  • the Piriguao, one of the noblest forms of the, [161], [185];
  • the family of, [221];
  • the most stately of all vegetable forms, by which the aspect of nature is principally determined, [223];
  • on the habitat and natural history of, [297]–304;
  • form and colour of the fruit, [303].
• Pampa de Navar, [406].
• Pampas of South America, [2];
  • general observation on, [29].
• Panama, Isthmus of, various measurements of, [434], [435].
• Paragua, a general name for water or sea, [193].
• Paraguamusi River, [183].
• Paramo de la Suma Paz, the mountain group of the Caracas, its elevation, vegetation, &c., [4], [84];
  • the highest Alpine regions, [83], [94];
  • of the Andes, in Peru, elevation and description of, [392], [407].
• Paramu River, [176].
• Parasitic vermes, [251].
• Parime, mountain chain of the, [161], [162], [200];
  • the terra incognita of South America, [178];
  • the lake of, alleged to be the source of the Orinoco, [181], Zabulon, [187];
  • a general name for water or sea, [183];
  • the great Mar de la, proved to be the Lake Amucu, [188].
• Paropanisus, the snow-crowned summits of 155, [175].
• Parras, elevation of, [208].
• Paspalum, the steppes covered with, [16].
• Passo del Norte, elevation of, [208].
• Pastos, Province de los, its elevation, [58].
• Peccary, tracts of the, [197].
• Pentastoma, [213];
  • a division of the parasitic vermes, [251].
• Peru, remains of the great road formed by the Incas, [393]–397.
• Periplus of Scylax, [46].
• Peru, Pizarro’s invasion of, [395], [397];
  • historical notions of, [397]; treasures taken from the temples of, by the Spaniards, [410], [430];
  • ancient worship of the sun, [430], [431].
• Petrifactions, wonderful phenomena presented by the study of, [373].
• Phanerogamic plants, [220], [233], [276];
  • immense variety of, [276]–278;
  • numerical relations of 279 et seq.
• Philippines, inhabited by the Spanish race, [191].
• Phœnicians, extent of their discoveries, [110], [111].
• Phosphorescence of the ocean, [212], [245].
• Photocharis, luminosity of the, [247].
• Phyllodia, [345].
• Phyto-corals, [252], [253].
• Pinduri, perpetual snow-line of the, [77].
• Pine forest at Chilpanzingo, [328], [329];
  • of South America, [194], [231];
  • elevated situation of some growing in Mexico, [315];
  • various species of, in Europe, [318];
  • their geographical distribution, [321];
  • gigantic forms of, [323]–325.
• Pinnate leaves, physiognomy of, [352].
• Piragua, mouth of the, [166].
• Pirara River, course of the, [186].
• Pirigara, singular properties of the, [348].
• Piriguao, one of the noblest species of palm-trees, [161], [185].
• Pizarro’s invasion of Peru, [395], [397].
• Plains, desert, of Africa, [2];
  • vast extent of, [3];
  • of Asia, [4].
• Plains. See Steppes, Llanos, &c.
• Plantains, one of the plants by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [224], [227];
  • immense one in Lycia, [272].
• Plants, various species of, in the great Asiatic Steppes, [4];
  • different characteristics of, in Africa and South America, [10];
  • on the cultivation of, in elevated plateaux, [62];
  • in the Llanos of the Caracas, [94];
  • the farinaceous grasses, [128];
  • ideas on the physiognomy of, [210]–231;
  • illustrative notes, [232]–352;
  • universality of their existence, [214];
  • causes of the absence of, over large tracts of land, [216], [217];
  • sixteen forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [221]–229 et passim;
  • Palms, [223];
  • Plantains, or Bananas, Malvaceæ and Bombaceæ, [224];
  • Mimosas, Heaths, [225];
  • Cactuses, Orchideæ, Casuarineæ, [226];
  • Coniferæ, Pothos, Lianes, [227];
  • Aloes, Grasses, [228];
  • Ferns, Liliaceæ, Willows, Myrtaceæ, Melastomaceæ, and Laurineæ, [229];
  • on the numerous species of Phanerogamia, and their extensive geographical distribution, [276]–294;
  • illustrative notes on the various forms of plants which principally determine the aspect of Nature, [296]–346 et passim;
  • as yet imperfectly explored in South America, [292]–294;
  • gigantic pines and cypresses, [323], [324], [326];
  • beauties of the aspect of, [346], [349];
  • general view of the physiognomy of, [349]–352;
  • on the similarity of vegetative forms, [351].
• In addition to the plants above enumerated, the following which occur passim, are referred to under their respective alphabetical entries:—
  • Acaciæ, Alders, Amentaceæ, Amygdaleæ, Aristolochias, Arundaria, Bambusaceæ, Banyans Bignonias, Carolinas, Caladiums, Cæsalpina, Compositæ, Crescentia, Cruciferæ, Cryptogamia, Cupuliferæ, Custaceæ, Cyaceæ, Cynometia, Cyperaceæ, Diœciæ, Dicotyledons, Ephidiæ, Ericaceæ, Escalloneæ, Euphorbiaceæ, Fucus, Glumaceæ, Gustavia, Hymeneæ, Juncaceæ, Labiatæ, Leguminosæ, Melastomas, Melocactus, Monocotyledons, Oaks, Opuntiaceæ, Phyllodia, Piniferæ, Polypodiaceæ, Portulaceæ, Rosaceæ, Rubraceæ, Saxifrage, Synanthereæ, Terebinthaceæ, Theobroma, Tiliaceæ, Umbelliferæ, Urticeæ, Yews, &c.
• Plata, Steppes of, [6].
• Plateaux, mountain, of Mexico, general elevation of, [209];
  • of Caxamarca, Humboldt’s journey over the, [390]–420;
  • of Asia, [53]–62;
  • table of elevations, [58].
• Pleuronectes, a species of sea-fish, [260].
• Pliny’s account of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, [369], [370].
• Podocarpus taxifolia, its geographical distribution, [322].
• Poison, used by the Otomaks, [151], [152].
• Polygastrica, [212].
• Polypodiaceæ, family of the, [338].
• Polyps, natural history of the, [253].
• Pompeii buried by an eruption of Vesuvius, [369].
• Pongo River, [401], [402].
• Pontus. See Euxine.
• Popayan, plateau of, its elevation, [58].
• Popocatepetl, volcano of, [65].
• Porites elongata, [260], [261].
• Porlieria hygrometrica, [401].
• Port Famine, situation and temperature of, [109].
• Portulacas, [214].
• Potato plant, the native produce of New Granada, [426], [427].
• Pothos, one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [227], [329];
  • belongs exclusively to tropical climates, [329].
• Prairies on the Missouri, [2].
• Primeval Forest. See Forest.
• Pumacena, the island of, [159].
• Pumice, volcanic origin of, [369].
• Purimarimi, perilous cataract ledge of, [166].
• Quad-Dra, the river, its course through the Sahara, [92].
• Quadrupeds of South America, [12], [133];
  • of the Mississippi, [40].
• Queretaro, elevation of, [208].
• Quina Bark and Tree, notices of, [423].
• Quito, plateau of, its elevation, [58];
  • the first conquest of, by the Incas of Peru, [236];
  • the table-land of, one volcanic hearth, [360];
  • one of the capitals of the Incas, [396].
• Rafflesia, immense flowers of the, [231].
• Rain, general effects of, after drought in the Steppes, [16], [138].
• Rattlesnake, vermes which inhabit the lungs of the, [251].
• Raudal, the cataract of, [165];
  • dangerous navigation of, [166].
• Red Sea, coral reefs in the, [255].
• Reinaud, M., on the Mountains of the Moon, [115].
• Remora, the sucking fish, an agent for catching turtle, [257], [258].
• “Rhodian Genius,” dissertation on the mysterious painting so called, [380]–385;
  • the principles of vital force illustrated from, by Epicharmus, [383];
  • illustrative note, [386]–389.
• Rhopala ferruginea, [401].
• Rio de la Plata, its magnitude, [156].
• Rivers, effects of, overflowing their banks, [17];
  • of South America, [156];
  • of the Caracas, the peculiar blackness of the water, [160];
  • a generic name for, usually adopted by those inhabiting their banks, [183];
  • the only means of traversing the continent of South America, [195];
  • the names of, derived from the most ancient relics of languages, [236].
• Roads, remains of the great road of the Incas, [393]–397.
• Rocca del Palo, the highest northern margin of the crater of Vesuvius, [376].
• “Rock of Patience,” at the entrance of the River Meta, [161].
• Rocks of South America, images graven in, [20], [147], [148].
• Rocky Mountains, estimated height of, [32];
  • extent of, [35];
  • observations on the, [205], [206].
• Rome, temperature of, [108].
• Rose Tree, great size and longevity of one in the Cathedral of Hildesheim, [275], [276].
• Rosaceæ, growing in the Asiatic Steppes, [4], [95];
  • ratio of their distribution, [321].
• Rotation Stream of the Atlantic, [120]–122.
• Rotifera, wonderful revivification of the, [211], [240], et seq.
• Rubiaceæ, [280], [285].
• Rupunuri, Lake of, [187].
• Sabrina, sudden appearance of, attributed to volcanic subterranean fire, [360].
• Sacramento River in California, [207].
• Sahama, elevation of the, [205].
• Sahara, the great desert of, two races of men separated by the, [19], [140];
  • disquisition on, [89]–93;
  • traverses Africa like a dried-up arm of the sea, [110].
• St. Bernard, Mount, height of, [35].
• Salamanca, in Mexico, elevation of, [208].
• Salt Lake, Great, [206].
• Saltillo, elevation of, [208].
• Samarang, edible clay of, [146].
• Samothrace, traditions of, [216], [262], [265];
  • aborigines of, [262];
  • position of, [262].
• San Fernando de Atabapo, [161].
• San Juan del Rio, elevation of, [208].
• San Luis Potosi, elevation of, [208].
• Sanariapo, on the Orinoco, [163].
• Sand-martin, hybernation of the, [242].
• Sand-spouts, fury of, when passing over the steppes, [14], [137], [266].
• Santa Barbara de Arichuna, mission of, [198].
• Santa Fé del Nueva Mexico, elevation of, [208].
• Sapajous, nocturnal cry of the, [199].
• Sarcoramphus Papa, the, [240].
• Saussureæ, growing on the Asiatic steppes, [4].
• Savannahs of South America, [98];
  • on the borders of the Orinoco, [162];
  • inhabited by the Guareke Indians, [163];
  • overflowed in April, [187].
• Saxifrage, [233].
• Schomburgk, Sir R., his antiquarian researches in South America, [147]–151;
  • his observations on the sources of the Orinoco, [176];
  • his journey across the continent of South America, [177];
  • his account of the Lake of Amucu, [186].
• Sculptured rocks, in South America, [147]–151.
• Sea, on the uniformity of its level, [264], [265].
• Sea-coasts, length of time before vegetation appears on the, [10].
• Sea-water, on the phosphorescence of, [245];
  • attributed to luminous mollusca, [246], [247].
• Sea-weeds, phenomenon of their accumulation on the western coast of Africa, [56];
  • of the ocean, [47]–50.
• Seeds, transferred to barren rocks, [214].
• Senegal, inhabitants to the south of, [19].
• Serpents, periodic torpidity of, [243].
• Shátúl Pass, elevation of, [76].
• Sierra Nevada of California, observations on the, [205], [206];
  • situation of, [207].
• Sierra Parime, mountain-chain of the, [22].
• Silao, elevation of, [208].
• Silla, ascent to the summit of the, [232].
• Silver, value of, obtained from the mines of Gualgayoc and other Peruvian mountains, [405].
• Simplon, Mount, height of, [35].
• Sipapo, on the Orinoco, [163].
• Sisgun, elevation of the plain of, [234].
• Sitka, situation and temperature of, [104].
• Siwah, oasis of, [44].
• Snow, mountains eternally covered with, [9].
• Snow-line of mountains, [73] et seq.;
  • of the Himalaya, [236].
• Solano, Don José, documents of, [181].
• Spanish race, inhabitants of parts of the Andes, the Canaries, the Antilles, and the Philippines, [192].
• Springs from the bed of the ocean, [155], [174];
  • which rise from different depths, dependent on internal heat, [373]–379.
• Stag, a native of South America, [133].
• Stars, glorious spectacle of the, at the Equator, [231], [349].
• Steppes and Deserts, general view of, [1]–21;
  • in the Caracas, [1];
  • sterility and monotony of, [2];
  • the heaths of northern Europe may be regarded as such, [2];
  • in the interior of Africa, [3], [9];
  • in central Asia the largest in the world, [3];
  • covered with various plants and herbs, [4];
  • have retarded civilization, [5];
  • of South America, [6] et seq.;
  • of Africa, causes of their sterility, [10];
  • towns sprung up on the rivers of, in South America, [14], [137];
  • fury of the whirlwinds passing over the, [14];
  • drought of the, and mirage, [15];
  • genial effects of rain after drought, [16], [138];
  • like a vast inland sea, [17], [139];
  • the view of the regions by which they are bounded in Africa and America, [19], [140];
  • illustrative notes to the article on, [22]–125;
  • tracts of, covered with naked rock, [28];
  • of northern Asia, [57];
  • extending from the mouth of the Orinoco, [83];
  • of Central Africa, [94], [95];
  • vegetation of, [95];
  • the different features of, in Africa and Asia, [153];
  • various terms for expressing in the Arabic and Persian languages, [191], [202];
  • of South America, may be regarded as mere local phenomena, [216].
• Strachey, Lieut., his observations on the snow-line of the Himalaya, [74].
• Strato, his statement respecting the primeval convulsion of the waters of the Mediterranean and the Euxine, [163].
• Strychnos, an Indian poison, [152].
• Stylites, seat of the, [13], [136].
• Sugar-cane, varieties of the, [24], [25], [26].
• Sun, worship of, by the Peruvians, [430], [431].
• Sun and Moon, representations of, on the rocks of the Orinoco, [165].
• Swimming couriers of the Rio de Guancabamba, [399], [400].
• Swiss scenery, [217].
• Sydney, situation and temperature of, [109].
• Synanthereæ, [95].
• Syracuse, the painting of “The Rhodian Genius” at, [380]–385.
• Tacarigua, lake of, [1];
  • its surrounding scenery and vegetation, [22].
• Tapir, traits of the, [197].
• Tartar steppes, [4].
• Tayé, an animal of California, [127].
• Taxus baccata, peculiar properties of, [320].
• Teboco, rocky falls of, [185].
• Teguayo, Lake of, [207].
• Temi, the river, blackness of its water, [160].
• Temperatures, mean annual, of South America and Europe, tables of, [100], [101].
• Teneriffe, Peak of, the volcano, [371], [379].
• Tepu-mereme, carved rock of, [148].
• Terebinthiaceæ, [280].
• Terra del Fuego, temperature of, [108].
• Terra-firma, coast of, [23].
• Theobroma, delicate blossoms spring from the roots, [230], [348].
• Theobroma Cacao, of South America, [26].
• Thian-schan, the mountain-chain of, [63], [64], [66].
• Thibet, mountain plateau of, [55];
  • elevation and geographical situation of, [60] plains of, [61].
• Tibbos, nomadic tribes of Africa, [50].
• Tiger, American, traits of the, [195], [196], [197];
  • its nocturnal roar, [199].
• Tiliaceæ, [194].
• Timpanogo, Lake of, supposed to be the Great Salt Lake, [35];
  • longitude of, [206].
• Titicaca, Lake of, elevation of the plateau of, [58].
• Tomependa, town of, on the Andes, [401], [428].
• Tomo, island of, [164].
• Toparo, on the Orinoco, [163];
  • mouth of the, [166].
• Tortoises, periodic torpidity of, [243].
• Trees, immense size and antiquity of, [271]–276;
  • on the relation existing between the annular rings and their age, [274];
  • natural families of, [274];
  • heights to which they grow, [327].
• Trinidad, asphaltic island of, [155];
  • originally torn from the mainland, [175].
• Tropical winds favourable to the mariner, [154], [174].
• Tropics, beauties of evening scenery, [173];
  • contain every variety and magnitude of vegetable forms, [217], [231].
• Tuamini, the river, blackness of its water, [160].
• Tuaryks, nomadic tribes of Africa, [50].
• Tukiuish, an Asiatic tribe, [5].
• Tula, elevation of, [208].
• Tundra, the name of cryptogamic plants in the arctic regions, [95], [96].
• Turtle, curious mode of catching, by means of the sucking-fish, [257], [258].
• Tuyu, a bird of South America, [6].
• Tzana, lake of, its elevation, [58].
• Uivitari, island of, [163], [165].
• Umbellaria Grœnlandica, [266].
• Umbellifera, [285], [286].
• Ummibida, ruins of, [44].
• Uniami, mountain of, [163].
• Ural chain of mountains, [63].
• Uraricapara river, [183], [184].
• Urns used for preserving the ashes of the dead, [171], [172].
• Urticeæ, [245].
• Uruana, engraving on the rocks of, [164].
• Valencia, lake of, [24].
• Vanilla form of the Orchideæ, [173], [226], [230];
  • the fragrant, [230].
• Vapour, the precipitation of, [217], [266].
• Vegetation, length of time before it fixes itself on the sea coast, [10];
  • different characters of, in Africa and South America, [10];
  • natural history of the vegetable covering of the earth, [214];
  • vegetation most exuberant in the tropics, [217], [220], [231];
  • entire families of, [221];
  • the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [221]–229;
  • their numerical relations and geographical distribution, [276] et seq.;
  • ratio of distribution, [285];
  • as yet imperfectly explored in South America, [292]–294;
  • the leading vegetable forms instructive to the landscape painter, [346];
  • general view of, [349]–352;
  • similarity of vegetable forms, [351].
  • See Plants.
• Venezuela, littoral chain of, [22];
  • its extent and elevation, [22];
  • description of, [23].
• Vermes, parasitical, [251].
• Vesuvius, elevation of, and various measurements of the margins of the crater, [363], [376], [377];
  • great eruptions of, [364]–366, [368] et seq.;
  • Rocca del Palo, the highest northern margin of the crater of, [376], [377];
  • measurement of the Punta Nasone, and of the Hermitage of Salvatore, [377];
  • height to which the scoriæ rise from the bottom of the crater, [378].
• Vilfa, species of, [232].
• Villa de Leon, elevation of, [208].
• Vital force, dissertation on, [380]–389;
  • illustrated by Epicharmus from the painting of the “Rhodian Genius,” [383];
  • symbols of its existence and extinction, [384];
  • definition of, [386];
  • illustrative note, [386]–389.
• Viverræ, a native of South America, [12], [134].
• Volcanos, still active in the Californian chain of mountains, [37], [38];
  • of Aconcagua, [205];
  • of the interior of Asia and of the New World, [65];
  • general view of their structure and mode of action in different parts of the earth, [353]–375;
  • previous to the eighteenth century, all our knowledge derived from observations of Vesuvius and Etna, [355];
  • sudden volcanic fissures in various parts of the earth, [356], [357];
  • various heights of, [358];
  • craters of elevation, the importance of, [359];
  • various groups of, with fire-emitting mouths, [359];
  • the table-land of Quito one immense volcanic hearth, [360];
  • the subterranean fire progressive from north to south, [360];
  • earthquakes evidence of subterranean volcanic communication, [360], [361];
  • elevation of Vesuvius, and various measurements of the margins of the crater, [373], [376], [377];
  • great eruptions of, [364]–366, [368] et seq.;
  • in the chain of the Andes, penetrate above the snow-line, [367];
  • caused the lofty summit of Mount Carguairazo to fall in, when the whole surrounding country was covered with mud and fishes, [367];
  • volcanic origin of pumice, [369];
  • Pompeii buried by an eruption of Vesuvius, [369];
  • Pliny, account of, [369], [370];
  • the summits of upheaved masses of trachyte and lava, [370];
  • Peak of Teneriffe, [371];
  • sudden appearance and disappearance of, [371];
  • what generates the heat of, [372]–374;
  • volcanic phenomena the result of connection between the interior and exterior of our planet, [373];
  • illustrative notes of, [376]–378.
• Waraputa, cascade of, [149].
• Wada-dhára, elevation and vegetation of, [79].
• Water, peculiar blackness of some of the South American rivers, [160].
• West wind, phenomenon of its prevalence on the African coast, [46].
• Western currents of the ocean favourable to the mariner, [154], [174].
• Wha-satch mountains, [207].
• Wheat, first culture of, in New Spain, [130].
• Wheel animalcules, wonderful revivification of the, [211], [240], [241].
• White Sea, myth of the, [185].
• Willows, one of the vegetable forms by which the aspect of Nature is principally determined, [229], [331], [342].
• Words, changes in the meaning of, [191].
• Worms, immense variety in the depth of the waters, [212].
• Xagua, gulf of, springs of fresh water in the, [174].
• Yanaguanga, paramo of, [407].
• Yaruros, savage tribe of, [197].
• Yew, its geographical distribution, [322];
  • its great longevity, [273].
• Yucatan, architectural remains in, [131], [132].
• Zacatecas, elevation of, [208].
• Zahara, phenomenon of the west winds on the African coast attributable to, [46].
• Zambos, tribe of the, [197].
• Zoophytes, the calcareous, [251].

LONDON: PRINTED BY HARRISON AND SON, ST. MARTIN’S LANE.

---

[A]. To instance a few, see pp. [241], [245], [255], [259], [304], [320], [325], [326], [386], [422], [424].

[B]. These lines are from Schiller’s Bride of Messina, as translated by A. Lodge, Esq. See Schiller’s works (Bohn’s ed.) vol. iii. p. 509.