Chapter I: Preface

This is an account of a zoo-geographic reconnaissance through the
Brazilian hinterland.

The official and proper title of the expedition is that given it
by the Brazilian Government: Expedicao Scientifica Roosevelt-
Rondon. When I started from the United States, it was to make an
expedition, primarily concerned with mammalogy and ornithology,
for the American Museum of Natural History of New York. This was
undertaken under the auspices of Messrs. Osborn and Chapman,
acting on behalf of the Museum. In the body of this work I
describe how the scope of the expedition was enlarged, and how it
was given a geographic as well as a zoological character, in
consequence of the kind proposal of the Brazilian Secretary of
State for Foreign Affairs, General Lauro Muller. In its altered
and enlarged form the expedition was rendered possible only by the
generous assistance of the Brazilian Government. Throughout the
body of the work will be found reference after reference to my
colleagues and companions of the expedition, whose services to
science I have endeavored to set forth, and for whom I shall
always feel the most cordial friendship and regard.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT.
SAGAMORE HILL,
September 1, 1914

THROUGH THE BRAZILIAN WILDERNESS