GEOGRAPHY. 341 



cial attention to the geology and natural history of the coun- 

 try traversed. 



Mr. Johnston has been instructed, in addition to gathering 

 data for the construction of a correct map of his route, to 

 make all practicable observations in meteorology, geology, 

 natural history, and ethnology. He is to observe and note 

 the routes best adapted for more extended communication 

 in the future, and to use every exertion to examine the range 

 of mountains at the northeastern end of Lake Nyassa, ascer- 

 taining their extent and elevation and the condition of their 

 passes. He is also to inquire into the practicability of a 

 telegraph line from north to south. The remarkable rise of 

 Lake Tanganyika, as reported by Mr. Stanley, is also to be 

 a subject of inquiry. 



The German government has appropriated $125,000 to en- 

 able the German Society to continue their African explora- 

 tions. Portugal has made a grant of 20,000 for the explo- 

 ration of Western Africa beyond the Portuguese possessions ; 

 and France has voted a credit of 100,000 francs for a Cen- 

 tral African expedition. In Belgium a nearly equal amount 

 has been contributed by subscribers to the international 

 scheme for the exploration of Africa. 



Only a very general account of the progress of these expe- 

 ditions can be given. The death of two of the principal offi- 

 cers of the Belgian expedition shortly after their arrival at 

 Zanzibar seriously hindered the prosecution of the work ; 

 but two other officers, MM. Wautier and Dutrieux, proceed- 

 ed to take their places. The expedition, under command 

 of M. Cambier, its chief, left Zanzibar for Lake Tanganyika 



7 7 _? / 



about the end of May, but was seriously detained by mutiny 

 among the porters. Advices from the expedition dated in 

 October indicate that more satisfactory progress has been 

 made, Urambo, the capital of King Mirambo of Unyamwesi, 

 having been reached. 



The Portuguese expedition started from Benguela, under 

 charge of Senhor Serpa Pinto, on the 12th of November, 1877, 

 and was at Bihe on May 18. Here the members of the ex- 

 pedition separated, Senhores Capello and Ivens going north- 

 ward, and Senhor Serpa Pinto towards Zumbo on the Zam- 

 besi and the east coast. The area of country chosen for the 

 operations of this expedition includes the head-waters of three 



