xxxiv INTRODUCTION. 



great degree, to your judgment and discretion, after a due consideration of all 

 the local circumstances that may present themselves, and the information you 

 may be ; ble to collect on the spot. 



It may be observed, however, that the occurrence of rapids, or of a cataract, 

 impedino- the navigation of the river, is not to be considered as a sufficient obstacle 

 to the further prosecution of the attempt to discover its source. In the event of 

 meeting with an obstacle of this kind, it will be necessary, in the first place, to 

 look out for a safe and proper situation for mooring the Congo, and then to use 

 all possible means, by trucks and other apparatus with which you will be fur- 

 nished, to get the double boats, with one or both of the small ones, if necessary, 

 to the upper part of the rapids : and having accomplished this, to divide the 

 officers and crew between the Congo and the double boats, in such manner and 

 in such proportions as you shall deem to be most expedient for the protection 

 of the former, and the management of the latter in their further progress up 

 the river; taking care that, whenever it may be necessary to detach the 

 boats, the gentlemen to whom the scientific departments of the expedition have 

 been assigned, shall always accompany them ; in order that no opportu- 

 nity may be omitted of examining and collecting specimens of the natural 

 products of the country, through which the Zaire, or any of its larger branches, 

 may flow. 



On your arrival in the river, you will endeavour to find out a suitable spot 

 for transhipping such stores and provisions from the transport to the Congo as 

 the latter may be able to take on board. The anchorage opposite the Tall Trees 

 is understood to be a safe and healthy spot ; but there are many reasons that 

 would make it adviseable not to stop at a place so near the slave-trade stations 

 of the Portuguese ; and yuu cannot be too much on your guaid against the 

 agents of this nation, concerned in carrying on that trade, whether they are 

 white men or blacks ; and as it is understood, that many vessels have been as 

 high up as Embomma, a place of considerable trade, you may, should you find 

 it practicable, carry up the transport to that place, or even to Benda, which is 

 still higher, before you dismiss her down the river; in doing which, you will 

 take care to provide her with such arms and ammunition as may be neces- 

 sary, for her defence against any attack that may be made upon her by the 

 canoes of the natives ; cautioning the master to have no communication with 

 them, but to make the best of his way down the river, and from thence to 

 Spithead ; and you will take this opportunity of sending home an account of 

 your proceedings to the date of her departure. 



It is understood that, at Embomma, vou will be likely to meet with natives 

 who speak the English and Portuguese languages : and it is probable, that you 



