158 Scientific Intelligence. [Feb. 



Note by the Editor. — In listening to Captain Maconochie's lec- 

 ture, (in my report of which, as far as my recollection goes, I have 

 included every point of importance.) I was rather surprised that 

 he should have omitted to mention the expedition, which several 

 months ago, under the direction of Dr. Smith, proceeded into the 

 interior of South Africa, as from the liberal manner in which prepara- 

 tions have been made for it, and the well known qualifications of the 

 conductor, who is an excellent naturalist, there is some reason for 

 concluding, that the projected expedition of the Geographical Society 

 will be anticipated. Would it not have been more judicious, if the 

 Society had contributed their assistance to an expedition so well sup- 

 plied with the means of investigating both the physical and moral 

 state of the country ? As the present expedition starts from Delagoa 

 Bay, it can have no conveniences for carrying instruments for obser- 

 vation, or geological or botanical specimens, while Dr. Smith, being 

 supplied with commodious Cape waggons, has ample means of return- 

 ing with splendid collections of natural history specimens, and it is 

 certain, that the enlightened members of the Geographical Society 

 would be the last individuals, who would not say that the objects of 

 science should occupy a s most prominent place in expeditions of 

 discovery. 



With regard to the expedition suggested by Captain Maconochie 

 to Lake Marrabee, there seems to be no object in view except that of 

 geographical discovery, which although very laudable shonld always 

 be combined with something higher. I conceive that by far the most 

 desirable route for an expedition of discovery, would be the ascent of 

 the Bahr al Abiad or true Nile, which would lead into the very centre 

 of Africa, now known to be the finest and most fertile portion of that 

 vast continent. If the source of this river were attained, a most in- 

 teresting tract of country would be investigated, the nature of the 

 Mountains of the Moon, as they have been poetically designated, 

 which in all probability give origin to the Nile and Congo, with nu- 

 merous other rivers, would be ascertained, and the traveller might 

 then endeavour to make his way to Marrabee, or by the Congo, ac- 

 cording as circumstances determined him. The origin of one of the 

 largest rivers in the world, for an account of which we still depend 

 upon the vague reports communicated to Herodotus, (from whose 

 statements it appears, that above 300 miles of the course of this river 

 have never been visited by any modern traveller,) of the savage ex- 

 peditions would be determined. In selecting individuals to undertake 

 these . expeditions, however, it would be proper to employ such as 

 have acquired considerable knowledge of Science, and if intelligence 

 that such journeys were in contemplation, were more generally dis- 

 seminated, I am convinced that persons could be procured, possessing 

 the necessary requisites. Two persons with a servant could accom- 

 plish a great deal, viz. a Medical man having a knowledge of Geo- 

 logy and Natural History, and a Navy Officer who would require 

 to be a draughtsman and a good practical astronomer. Every one 

 who engages in such enterprises must reconcile his mind to the worst 

 that can happen, and must not anticipate kind treatment from na- 

 tives, for although one tribe may afford protection, its very sympathies 

 may be excited by its inferiority to more savage neighbours. 



