The volume, therefore, now offered to the public, is neither an epitome of the Principles, nor an abridgement of any part of that work. In some places, where I thought it desirable to incorporate in the Elements certain passages of the former work, I have not abridged what was previously written, but have expanded it, giving fuller explanations, and additional wood-cuts, in the hope of rendering it more intelligible to the beginner.

Through the kindness of two of my friends I have been enabled to refer frequently to two works, not yet before the public, Mr. Darwin's Journal of Travels in South America, 1832 to 1836, &c., and Mr. Murchison's Silurian System; the last of which was presented to me complete, with the exception of the maps and plates, and will shortly be published.

Mr. Darwin's Journal was finished, and ready for publication, some time before the printing of my MS. had begun, but is still detained, to the great regret of the scientific world, because it is to form part of a larger work, including an account of the Surveys of Captains King and FitzRoy, in South America.

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