400 Chronicles of Science. [July, 
source of attraction to this river is the discovery of a gold-field at a 
short distance from its northern bank, by M. Manch, who has also 
found another gold-field somewhat to the south-west of the former, 
nearer the colony of Natal. On the Guinea coast Mr. Winwoode 
Reade, who has already penetrated to the gorilla country, is com- 
mencing an exploration under the auspices of the Royal Geogra- 
phical Society, by advancing up the Assinie river. The physical 
condition of the valley of the Nile in Egypt and Nubia, especially 
in its relationship to the intellectual precocity of the former country, 
receives considerable light from the careful survey of M. Ampere. 
The course of geographical interest follows in the track that 
history has previously travelled. The earliest civilized continent, 
Africa, is now the least known and the most provocative of dis- 
covery. Asia, which followed closely on the path pioneered by 
Egypt, next affords the widest field for exploration and research 
The examination of the foundations of Jerusalem (one of the earliest 
of the old centres of civilization), interesting from so many points 
of view, has been delayed, though not entirely stopped, by the 
jealousy of the Turkish authorities. It is to be hoped that the diffi- 
culties, whatever they may be, will be overcome before the cooler 
weather again gives an opportunity of recommencing the labours 
of tracing water-courses, following drains, and laying bare founda- 
tions. Since Mr. Layard’s investigation of the cities of northern 
Mesopotamia, we have heard but little of the remains of the old 
Assyrian and Persian empires. The necessity for collecting animals 
for the transport corps in Abyssinia has given some of our young 
officers the opportunity of traversing Persia. One of these gives 
a description of Persepolis as still contaimmg much that is worthy 
of investigation, and it is to be hoped that this and other similar 
places will be examined by those who, enlightened by the discussions 
on ancient architecture and manufactures, have had their interest 
awakened to the seats of ancient learning and art. 
The advance of the Russians and of Russian influence in Central 
Asia is still the ery of those who think our Indian empire is not 
safe unless it is enlarging its boundaries, and this ery is from time 
to time awaked by reports of fresh victories of the Muscovites. A 
knowledge of the condition of the countries to the north of the 
Himalayas may be scientifically useful; but meddling with the poli- 
tics of this region may be anything but advantageous to our already 
overgrown empire, however much it may be desired by the conti- 
nental enemies of Russia and a certain school of Indian statesmen. 
The condition of the vast empire of China, which seems to be so 
rapidly changing its character, is of much greater importance to the 
British merchant. Instead of crowding their over-peopled land 
- and rivers, the Chinese are now constantly passing backwards and for- 
wards to and from the various gold fields of America and Australia, 
