382 ANNUAL OF SCIENTIFIC DISCOVEKY. 



THE SNO'^TY MOUNTAINS OF EASTERN AFRICA. 



It is now upwards of four years since intelligence^ reached Europe 

 of the discovery of snowy mountains in Eastern Africa. The discov- 

 ery was in itself so remarkable, that the report, appearing as it did in 

 rather an unscientific dress, did not at first gain universal credence. 

 It was, however, subsequently confirmed by repeated journeys in that 

 region. It need scarcely be added, that the mountains here alluded to 

 are Kilimanjaro and Kenia, discovered by the missionaries Rebmann 

 and Krapf, stationed at Rabbai Empia, near Mombas. Kilimanjaro 

 lies in about 3 south latitude and 37 east longitude, and about 160 

 geographical miles west-north-west from Mombas ; and is an isolated, 

 very conspicuous peak somewhat like Mount Ararat, probably con- 

 nected, on its western side, with the table-lands of Inner Africa. The 

 missionaries have become acquainted with its eastern, southern, and 

 northern aspects, whereas the other peak, Mount Kenia, has been 

 seen only from the south, at a distance of six days' journey, or about 

 80 geographical miles. It lies in about 1 south latitude and 38|- east 

 lono-itude. Whether it forms an isolated peak similar to Kilimanjaro, 

 or is connected with other mountains in the north, remained unknown 

 to Dr. Krapf. 



The missionaries, those pioneers of geographical discovery, com- 

 menced their journeys in 1847; and though the results of their labors 

 are not exceeded in geographical interest and importance by any other 

 discoveries made in recent times, it must be much regretted that they 

 have hitherto failed in attracting scientific explorers to that very 

 promising region. 



Some additional information respecting this region has been pub- 

 lished by Mr. Peterman, in the London Athenaeum. He says as fol- 

 lows: Capt. J. H. Short, who has been for some time in command of 

 various vessels belonging to His Highness the Imaum of Muskat, has 

 favored me with an account, from his personal experience, of the East 

 African coast from Brava, north of the equator, to Delagoa Bay in the 

 south, comprising the Zanzibar, Mozambique and Sofala coasts. This 

 account contains important information respecting the hydrography of 

 this extensive tract, its inhabitants, natural productions, and climate, 

 as well as its commercial relations. Right under the equator, the Juba 

 or Jub, a considerable river, enters the Indian Ocean. " The entrance 

 of this river," says Capt. Short, " is open to the sea, and may be ap- 

 proached with safety in the fine weather season. I have ascended this 

 river to a great distance, and found the natives quiet and ready to 

 trade, particularly in cotton prints. It is not very high land, and the 

 pasture is good. But at a distance inland I perceived high mountains, 

 with white top?, lying north and south. They are said to contain 

 mines. I was informed by the natives that the river extended far 

 inland, and branched off in various directions. I ascended the river 

 in a small schooner, and had ample room to beat about, taking the 

 ground occasionally but not hurting the vessel, the depth of water 



