xiv PREFACE. 



the journey, as related in the narrative, compelled 

 me to have recourse to some rough pen-and-ink 

 sketches in my journal, which have served as guides 

 for the engravings in this volume, which have been 

 drawn by competent artists under my own direction. 

 The pleasing duty now remains of thanking those 

 gentlemen who have encouraged me by their sym- 

 pathy and aid throughout my African explorations, 

 or assisted me in the preparation of the present 

 volume. To the Council of the Royal Greographical 

 Society my first thanks are due, who have adhered 

 to me in spite of adverse criticism from other quar- 

 ters, and who were pleased to express their satisfac- 

 tion with the geographical work I have performed, 

 by presenting me with a testimonial at the last 

 Annual Meeting of the Society. But I feel that 

 I ought especially to thank the noble-hearted Pre- 

 sident of the Society, Sir Roderick Murchison, who 

 sped me on my mission with hopeful words, and 

 wrote frequently to me whilst I was in Africa, 

 encouraging me when I stood sorely in need of it. 

 To my honoured friend. Professor Owen, I am also 

 indebted, for his steadfast support, and for tlie 

 valuable Essay on my collection of African skulls 

 which enriches this volume. Other friends who 

 have assisted me I have mentioned in the course 

 of my narrative, amongst them Commander George, 

 my kind instructor in the use of astronomical and 

 surveying instruments, and M. Claudet, my master 

 in photography. I ought also to express my thanks 



