I would also, with all deference, suggest observations regarding the daily atmospheric variations or tides, so as to obtain tables of _maxima_ and _minima_. In order to obtain these, whenever the frigate is at anchor near any coast, but particularly within the tropics, hourly observations with the barometer and thermometer (the latter affixed to the barometer, and also freely suspended in the open air), should be made through several consecutive days and nights. During the occurrence of an Aurora Borealis (or Australis), attention should be paid to the perturbations of the magnetic variation, and the magnetic intensity of the horizontal needle. Boreal Auroras have been seen in the southern latitudes of the Peruvian Pacific, as low down as 12° 13' S.; but the occurrence of such phenomena there is of much less frequent occurrence than that of Austral Auroras in Scotland. It is important to keep an exact register of the intensity of blackness in the "coalbags," when the smallest stars surrounding them are still visible to the naked eye. The daily meteorological observations, as also those on the temperature of the sea, will probably be made on board ship, in conformity with the views of Lieutenant Maury, and the method agreed upon at the last nautical congress. * * * * * As I shall have long ceased to be numbered with the living, when the _Novara_ returns to Trieste, richly freighted with scientific treasures of all kinds, with fresh information relating to organic and inorganic nature, to the races of man, their habits and languages, I now pray to Almighty God that His blessing may rest upon this great and noble enterprise, to the honour of our common German Fatherland! And concluding, in this night, these oblique, illegible lines, I remember, not without emotion, and with very mingled feelings, that joyous period of my life when, fifty-eight years ago, in the beautiful gardens of Schönbrunn, preparing myself for a long journey, I was enjoying with grateful mind the friendly kindness of the venerable Jacquin and Peter Frank. A. v. HUMBOLDT. Berlin, in the night of 7th April, 1857. [Illustration: DEPARTURE.] I. Preparations for the Voyage. Approbation of the Plan to fit out an Austrian Man-of-War for a Voyage round the World.--Object of the Expedition.-- Appointment of a Scientific Commission.--Preparations.-- Fitting out the Frigate _Novara_ at Pola.--Departure for Trieste.--Visit of the Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian on board. In the autumn of 1856, His Majesty the Emperor was graciously pleased to approve of the proposal for a voyage round the world, as projected by his Imperial Highness the Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, the head of the Austrian navy, and to commission the sailing frigate _Novara_ for that purpose, a vessel qualified to meet every requisite condition.