IV 
APPENDIX. 
Moors and Negroes: which latter is the more interesting, as it maybe 
termed a boundary in moral geography ; from the opposite qualities of mind, 
as well as of body, of the Moors and Negroes : for that physical geography 
gives rise to habits, which often determine national character, must be al- 
lowed by every person, who is a diligent observer of mankind. 
It must be acknowledged, that the absolute extent of Mr. Park's progress 
in Africa, compared with the amazing size of that continent, appears but small, 
although it be nearly 1100 British miles in a direct line, reckoned from its 
western extremity, Cape Verd. But considered in itself, it is no inconsiderable 
line of travel; being more extensive than the usual southern tour of Europe. 
But moreover, it affords a triumph to the learned, in that it confirms some 
points of fact, both of geography and natural history, which have appeared 
in ancient authors, but to which our own want of knowledge has denied cre- 
dit. I allude more particularly to the course of the Niger, and the history 
of the Lolophagi. That the Greeks and Romans, who had formed great 
establishments in Africa, and the latter in particular, who had penetrated to 
the Niger,* should have had better opportunities of knowing the interior part 
of the country, than we, who live at a distance from it, and possess only a 
few scattered factories near the sea coast, is not to be wondered at : but the 
proof of such facts should teach us to be less hasty in decrying the authority 
of ancient authors; since the fault may arise from a want of comprehension 
on our parts, or from an assumption of false principles on theirs. 
Few geographical facts have been more questioned in modern times, than 
the course of the great inland river of Africa, generally understood by the 
name of Niger ; some describing it to run to the west, others to the east; 
but of these opinions, I believe the former has been espoused by the most 
numerous party by far.t Although Mr. Park's authority, founded on ocular 
demonstration, sets this question for ever at rest, by determining the course 
* Pliny, lib. v. c. 4. 
f M- J Lalance, almost at the moment of Mr. Park's investigation, has determined 
its course to be to the west ; notwithstanding the forcible reasoning of his countryman 
D'Anville. (Membire sur l'lnterieur de l'Afrique.) Mr. Bruce was of the same opinion. 
Vol. iii. p. 720. 724. 
