The Discovery of Ruwenzori. 



The geographical periodical "Globus," published, in 1904, 

 a brief notice of an ascent on the chain of Ruwenzori made in 

 April of that year by Dr. J, J. David. He was reported to 

 have reached an altitude of about 16,400 feet. Two years later 

 the "Bollettino" of the Italian Geographical Society published 

 an article by E-evelli on Dr. David's expedition based upon liis 

 own notes. David had chosen the route of the Butagu Valley 

 to the west of the chain which had not been explored since 

 Scott Elliot. Ascending a tributary valley he reached the 

 glaciers in seven days. Through the glaciers he reached a col, 

 covered with ice, upon which was a small rocky peak of gneiss 

 about 150 feet high. From here he w^as able to see the valleys 

 descending on the opposite slope towards Uganda. He was 

 stopped here by the evident danger of proceeding alone ujjon 

 the glacier. The altitude of the pass which he had reached 

 (16,400 feet) seems to have been ascertained by triangulation. 

 The absolute lack of more precise data and of any detailed 

 account of tlie route which he followed prevents us from 

 identifying the jjeak which he ascended. Probably David 

 might have been able to point out his route upon one of the 

 photographs taken by Stuhlmann in the higher Butagu Valley, 

 and reproduced in his book,* 



In the course of the same year, 1904, M. T. Dawe made an 

 important botanical expedition up the Mobuku Valley. This 

 expedition was, however, without results from the point of view 

 of the mountaineer. 



During the time which had now elapsed since the occupation, 

 a railway line had been opened between Mombasa, on the coast 



* There is the possibility that David may have reached the saddle between 

 the Elena and Savoia Peaks of Mt. Stanley (about 15,750 feet), where a rocky 

 tooth would seem to correspond to his description. 



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