ADV ERTISEMENT. 
Among the geographical problems which, during the last half 
century, have occupied the attention of the scientific world and 
awakened a spirit of adventure in enterprizing- individuals, has 
been the existence of a large and populous city in the heart of 
Central Africa. The solution of this problem appeared to be a 
subject worthy of the solicitude even of Societies and Govern- 
ments ; and various expeditions have been dispatched at their 
expense to explore the unknown interior of that continent, with 
a particular view to the settlement of this long agitated question. 
In vain, however, have Houghton, Browne, Hornemann, and Park 
— in vain have their successors, our countrymen, Tuckey, Peddie, 
Campbell, Gray, Ritchie, Bowdich, Oudney, Clapperton, Den- 
ham and Laing — in vain have other European travellers, Burck- 
hardt, Beaufort, MoUien, Belzoni, started from different points 
of the coast of Africa, animated with the hope of removing the 
veil which enveloped the mysterious city : — all have either perished 
or been baffled in the attempt. Of this number Major Laing alone 
reached the desired goal ; but the results of his perseverance and 
his observations were lost to his country and to the world through 
the barbarous murder of that officer, and the consequent dispersion 
of his papers and effecis. 
Our neighbours, the French, have therefore just ground for 
exultation in the fact, that what British enlerprize, seconded by 
the liberality of the British government, failed to accomplish, has 
been achieved by a very humble individual of their nation, and 
