THE WORLD'S WONDERS. 219 



Central Africa is drained by numerous rivers, many of which are 

 very eccentric in their sudden disappearance. For this reason it 

 was the duty of Baker if insurmountable obstacles did not 

 preclude, and he does not mention any to proceed to the river 

 where it flows from the lake, as he claims that he saw it at a 

 distance of thirty miles, and then follow the stream on his return 

 journey, instead of leaving it, as he did. Of course it is impos- 

 sible to judge correctly of the reasons which he had for taking 

 certain courses on his return journey, but since he does not him- 

 self give us these very natural explanations, it must remain a 

 source of wonder why he did not return from the Albert N'yanza 

 by way of the Nile, as his spirited wife implored him to do. He 

 had canoes, and though there were many obstructions in the 

 river, no doubt these light boats might have been drawn over 

 them, as they were in several places below Gondokoro. By 

 adopting such a plan the source of the Nile would have been 

 indisputable. The question which still continues undecided is 

 this : "Did Baker see the Nile, as it takes its source from Albert 

 lake, or was it the embouchure or outlet of some other stream, 

 which gave him so much delight as his vision rested upon it from 

 Magungo's heights?" 



