THE GEOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY. 447 
natural history^ natural philosophy, climatology, physical 
geography, and mathematics ! What an immense field for 
a knowledge of the races of mankind, for the history of the 
civilization of nations, for that of their language, of their 
manners, and of their religious opinions ! 
The intention of the donors is not precisely to pro- 
pose a prize for competition^ the lure of a sum of money 
could not be offered for an attempt which might be at- 
tended with the loss of life : but they hold in reserve a just 
and honourable indemnity for him who shall happily over- 
come all the obstacles, to which so many others have, up 
to the present time, succumbed. 
As the judge and dispenser of this recompense, the 
Society of Geography will duly appreciate the merit, the 
courage, and the devotedness, of travellers, as well as the 
real services they may have rendered to science. It does 
not expect from a single individual all the results which 
would require the concurrence of several observers and 
many years peaceable residence in the country but it de- 
mands precise information, such as may be expected from 
a man provided with instruments, and who is no stranger 
either to natural or mathematical science. At the present 
moment several travellers, both French and English, are 
proceeding towards the banks of the Dhioliba, and the So- 
ciety has reason to hope that the encouragements held out 
by it will not prove unprofitable. 
At the meeting of the Central Committee of the 3rd 
