4f24i THEORIES RESPECTING THE NIGER* 
differing in other points, agreed entirely in this. 
That in the Quarterly Review, besides the ability 
with which it was written, shewed such an inti- 
mate acquaintance with the subject, that it could 
not fail to produce a most powerful impression 
on the public mind. This hypothesis has at all 
events had the happy effect of rousing an increas- 
ed interest in regard to Africa, and of prompting 
to high national exertions, which, though their re- 
sult has not yet corresponded to the expectations 
justly entertained, will yet, we trust, have the 
effect of laying open the secrets of the interior 
much more fully than had been effected at any 
former era. The writer of this was led some 
time ago to form an hypothesis somewhat differ- 
ing from any of those above stated ; and though 
his original confidence in it be somewhat abated, 
yet, as it may at least serve as a link to combine 
some curious notices relative to central Africa, 
he will venture on a short exposition of it. 
Although the Niger, in Bambarra, carries with 
it to the east all the waters of central Africa, it 
cannot be doubted, that there is a tract on the 
other side of the continent, where these waters 
flow in an opposite direction. Without having 
recourse to ancient, or more doubtful authorities, 
we find Browne expressly stating, that all the 
rivers about and beyond Darfur, were reported to 
him as flowing to the west and north-west. Some^ 
