PREFACE 
The publication of Sir William Garstin’s monumental work on the 
“Basin of the Upper Nile” is an event of such importance in the 
history of the Nile that the occasion should not be lost of bringing 
Lombardini’s work on the Nile to date. The information utilised by 
me in this book as far as the Upper Nile is concerned is obtained from 
Sir William’s Report ; for the Blue Nile and Atbara I am indebted to 
M. Dupuis’ interesting appendix at the end of Sir William’s Report ; 
and for the river north of Khartum to my own studies and surveys. 
As Sir William employed Capt. H.G. Lyons, R.E. to collaborate with 
him, the references to the works of previous writers and geographical 
details may be accepted without any misgivings. To M. Chelu Bey, 
Director of the Government Press, I am indebted for his ever ready aid ; 
to Mr. Hansard of the Survey Department for the plates accompanying 
this work ; and to Mr H.G.F. Beadnell, F.G.S, F.R.G.S, for having 
kindly written the description of the Egyptian oases and the geology 
of Egypt which form the fifth chapter of this book. 
W. WlLLCOCKS. 
Cairo , 12 - 10 , 1904 . 
