1 1 7 Proceedings of the Madras Liter art/ Societtj ^c.[January 



and commerce with tliem by which the natural produce of the In- 

 terior may be more readily obtamed, the demand for British, manu- 

 factures and colonial articles increased, and a door opened for car- 

 rying' the " Glad tidiugs" of salvation to the uninstructed heathen 

 beyond the present hmits of missionary operations. 



In conjunction with these important objects, the interests of sci- 

 ence in many of its most valuable branches will be essentially pro- 

 moted : the geographical situation of the various tribes, the course 

 of rivers, &nd the principal landmarks, will be determined by accurate 

 observations and correctly laid down for the guidance of future tra- 

 vellers, and the advancement of geographical knowledge in a coun- 

 try to which it has not hitherto extended — the geological structure of 

 the rocks and mountains and the quality of the alluvial soil, from 

 which a presumption may be entertained of the mineral riches of 

 the land, and its capability of culture, will be closely investigated 

 and illustrated by a copious collection of instructive specimens • 

 The field for Botanical research in which there is every reason to 

 expect a large accession of new and interesting subjects, — as well as 

 the animal Kingdom still unexamined in the vast tropical regions 

 south of the Equator, will be carefully explored ; and in each of 

 these departments of natural history no pains will be spared to ren- 

 der the expedition competent to fulfil the expectations which it is 

 calculated to excite among the friends and professors of general 

 science. 



Situated as this Colony is with regard to central Africa, great ad- 

 vantages will be enjoyed by persons proceeding on a journey of dis- 

 covery from hence in as much as they will be enabled to choose 

 the most favourable season, to set forward in possession of the 

 health and strength derived from a most salubrious climate, and 

 with the confidence of being able to return if insurmountable dif- 

 ficulties or noxious regions oblige them to retreat ; upon a land of 

 friends and an invigorating atmosphere. 



As the success of such an expedition must in a great measure, if 

 not wholly, depend on the qualifications of its leader, the Com- 

 mittee consider that they possess the best security for accomplish- 

 ing the various objects above enumerated in the character and talents 

 of the gentleman to whom the charge and conduct of the enterprlze 

 have been entrusted ; and they have no doubt that he will receive 

 every support and assistance in his arduous undertaking from those 

 individuals who have been or may be appointed to form his com- 

 pany and divide his labour. 



