122 MEMORIES OF MY LIFE 



interested in geography were in a justifiable state 

 of ferment. 



My own inclinations were to travel in South Africa, 

 which had a potent attraction for those who wished to 

 combine the joy of exploration with that of encounter- 

 ing big game. The book of Harris, describing the 

 enormous herds of diverse animals that he found on 

 the grassy plains of South Africa, had directed many 

 sportsmen thither who abundantly confirmed his 

 account. Gordon Gumming had just returned to 

 England. Oswell, then in company with Livingstone, 

 and with another companion, Murray, had recently 

 made a joint expedition, in which the desert country 

 which hitherto limited the range of travel to the 

 northward had been traversed, and Lake Ngami 

 discovered. Consequently the well-watered districts 

 beyond this desert could now be reached by wagon 

 from the Cape. I felt keenly desirous of taking 

 advantage of this new opening, and inquired much of 

 those who had recently returned from South Africa 

 concerning the conditions and requirements of travel 

 there. But I wanted to have some worthy object as 

 a goal and to do more than amuse myself. 



It happened at this critical moment of my life that 

 I was walking with my cousin, Captain Douglas Galton, 

 R.E., then one of the most rising officers of the 

 Engineers, and subsequently Sir Douglas Galton, 

 K.C.B., of whom I have already spoken. He suggested 

 my putting myself in communication with the Royal 

 Geographical Society, where I could learn precisely 

 whereabouts exploration was especially desirable, and 

 where I should be sure to receive influential support. 

 He offered introductions to some of its leading 





