352 EXPLORATIONS IN EASTERN AFRICA, [June 13, 1859. 



Captain Speke's explorations did not extend beyond its son them 

 shores. The more northern- part of his map is based on native in- 

 formation, especially on that of a very intelligent Arab, whom he 

 had previously met with in Unyanyembe, and whose data, so far as 

 the shores of the lake, were found by Captain Speke to be remark- 

 ably correct. This Arab had travelled far along its western shores. 

 In 35 long marches he reached the Kitangnra river, and in 20 more 

 marches, Kibuga, the capital of a native despot. Between these 

 two places he crossed about 180 rivers, of which the Kitangura and 

 the Katanga were the largest. The former is crossed in large 

 canoes ; the latter, though much larger and broader, is crossed 

 during the dry season by walking over lily leaves ; but in the wet 

 season it spreads out to an enormous size, and is quite unmanage- 

 able. The rainy season is very severe in these parts. No merchants 

 have gone farther than Kibuga j but, at that place, they hear 

 reports of a large and distant river, the Kivira, upon the banks of 

 which the Bari people live. This river is believed by Captain 

 Speke to be the White Nile. 



The President. — Gentlemen, I am sure you will agree with me that the 

 Papers we have just heard are full of the greatest possible interesr. The country 

 which has been explored by Captains Burton and Speke is a most important 

 one in a geograjDliical point of view, being connected with what I trust may be 

 ultimately established to be the solution of that most ancient problem of the 

 sources of the Nile. The arguments adduced by Captain Speke, I think all 

 will admit, are of very great weight, although probably some gentlemen here 

 may be inclined to question them. No doubt his conclusion cannot be taken 

 as absolutely established until farther explorations have been made, which I 

 hope will be carried on under the same excellent explorers : and I trust such 

 fresh discoveries will bring forward complete evidence of the fact, or rather 

 support that which is now only a matter of opinion. This, at least, is clear. 

 These gentlemen have obtained for this country the great scientific honour of 

 having been the first to explore these regions, and they have also been the 

 means of clearing up many questions relating to lakes and mountains in that 

 district about which there has been a large amount of controversy hitherto. So 

 important a subject as this certainly invites discussion, and I will, therefore, 

 take this opportunity of requesting Sir Roderick Murchison to give us his 

 opinion upon the Papers which have been read. It will be in the recollection 

 of most present that Sir Roderick had a great deal to do with the origin and 

 fitting out of this expedition — one of the most important, I think, ever con- 

 ducted under the auspices of the Royal Geographical Society, and I am sure it 

 is most fitting that he should open this discussion. 



Sir Roderick Murchison, v.p.r.g.s., etc. — My Lordj: In the first place allow 

 me to congratulate your Lordship on occupying the Chair which I have recently 

 vacated, upon the occasion of the reading of a Paper of as great importance as 

 any that has been communicated to this Society since Dr. Livingstone emerged 

 from Africa, and described the southern portion of the continent from 

 shore to shore. It is only necessary to point to the two large maps before you to 

 see what Captains Burton and Speke accomplished. There was our know- 

 ledge (pointing to the old map) a year ago — there is our knowledge now 

 (l)ointing to the new map). They have, by means of astronomical observations, 



