Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.1): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

XVI INTRODUCTION. means which are necessary for the complete execu- tion of the object above-mentioned, and for the health and comfort of their Ships' Companies. You are also furnished with all the information, we at present possess, of the ports which you are to survey and nine Government Chronometers have been em- barked in the Adventure, and three in the Beagle, for the better determination of the Longitudes. " You are therefore hereby required and directed, as soon as both vessels shall be in all respects ready, to put to sea with them ; and on your way to your ulterior destination, you are to make, or call at, the following places, successively ; namely ; Madeira : Teneriffe : the northern point of St. Antonio, and the anchorage at St. Jago ; both in the Cape Verd Islands : the Island of Trinidad, in the Southern Atlantic : and Rio de Janeiro : for the purpose of ascertaining the differences of the longitudes of those several places. " At Rio de Janeiro, you will receive any supplies you may require ; and make with the Commander- in-chief, on that Station, such arrangements as may tend to facilitate your receiving further supplies, in the course of your Expedition. " After which, you are to proceed to the entrance of the River Plata, to ascertain the longitudes of the Cape Santa Maria, and Monte Video : you are then to proceed to survey the Coasts, Islands, and Straits ; from Cape St. Antonio, at the south side