234 SOURCE OF THE SHARY. 



to the Cameroons, Malimba, and other large 

 rivers, throws off, on its opposite declivity, the 

 sources of the Shary. From its sudden rising it 

 appears to me that it cannot be caused by the 

 gradual and regular overflowing of an immense 

 inland sea. This is the opinion I formed against 

 the reports of the natives, and against the ap- 

 pearance of the country, as the range of hills 

 that commences at the confluence diminishes 

 its elevation gradually, and I have no doubt 

 crosses out at no great distance. So there 

 did not appear to me any physical difficulties 

 that would prevent the river from trending to 

 the northward. Future travellers will settle 

 this question, and it may appear hereafter that 

 I have been mistaken in my opinion. If so, I 

 will most willingly acknowledge my mistake, as 

 it will facilitate in a great measure the civiliza- 

 tion of the people, by admitting commerce and 

 its attendant blessings into the very centre of 

 the country. 



