INTRODUCTION. Xxili_ 
it would be idle to conjecture; it may reasonably be 
concluded however, that if this intelligent traveller had 
still been living, he would long ere now have hit upon some 
expedient to make his situation known. 
It was hoped then, even should the immediate object of 
the expedition up the Zaire not prove succesful, that some 
more correct as well as more extensive information, re- 
specting the regions through which it flows, would be the 
result of it. Some doubt was entertained, in making pre- 
parations for exploring the river, as to the kind of vessel 
which might be found most suitable and convenient in all 
respects to be employed on the occasion. Among other 
qualifications, two were indispensibly necessary ; first, that 
she should draw but litle water; and secondly, that she 
should afford sufficient accommodations for the officers and 
crew, for the Naturalists and their collections, besides an 
ample supply of provisions and presents, without which there 
isno getting on among the Africans. It was suggested by Sir 
Joseph Banks, who, from the lively interest he invariably 
takes, and the willing assistance he is ever ready to afford, 
where the advancement of human knowledge is concerned, 
was the first to be consulted on the present occasion, that 
a steam engine might be found useful to impel the vessel 
against the rapid current of the river. Many reasons were 
urged for and against the employment of a steam vessel. 
If individuals both in Europe and America find it of ad- 
vantuge to avail themselves of the aid of this powerful 
agent, it could not be less advantageous when employed 
on the public service ; tt would spare the men the labour 
of rowing when the wind should be foul, or failed. Some 
difficulties were started with regard to fuel, but these were 
