Author is more interested in Agassiz than natural history, but makes brief notes of his lectures. Interested in customs, dress, scenery, curiosities. Dinner with the Emperor of Brazil. Notes others' emotions; gossip. Mentions Civil War.

Places mentioned in the volumes include New York-Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (aboard the Colorado), Rio and environs, Rio-St Vincents-Lisbon-Southampton (aboard the La Plata), Isle of Wight, Southampton-Le Havre-Rouen-Paris, Paris and environs.

Volume 1 dates from March 30- April 29 (they arrive in Rio on April 22). Volume 2 is dated April 29-May 23; volume 3 May 24-June 20 (they leave Rio on June 7); and volume 4 June 21-August 15 (they arrive in Southampton on July 2 and in Paris on July 12).