CHAPTER IV.

THE TWO AMERICAS.

The Western Coast of America--Juan de Fuca and De Fonte--The three voyages of Behring and Vancouver--The exploration of the Straits of De Fuca--Survey of the Archipelago of New Georgia and a portion of the American Coast--Exploration of the interior of America--Samuel Hearn--Discovery of the Coppermine River-- Mackenzie, and the river named after him--Fraser River--Journey of Humboldt and De Bonpland--Teneriffe--Guachero cavern--The "Llanos"--The electric eels--The Amazon, Negro, and Orinoco rivers--The earth-eaters--Results of the journey--Humboldt's second journey--The Volcanitos, or Little Volcanoes--The cascade at Tequendama--The bridges of Icononzo--Crossing the Quindiu on men's backs--Quito and the Pinchincha--Ascent of Chimborazo--The Andes--Lima--The transit of Mercury--Exploration of Mexico-- Mexico--Puebla and Cofre de Perote--Return to Europe . . . . . . 380