PERILOUS ENTERPRISE OF THE LANDERS. 17 
course, after passing Timbaktuh, inclined many to the 
belief that its outlet was to be found in the Atlantic. It 
is surprising that this, the most rational theory, did not 
obtain more favour. Reichard supposed its outlet to be 
there; and Mr. McQueen, in 1821 , traced its course 
by itineraries with tolerable accuracy. 
The period, how^ever, had now arrived when this 
“ vexata questio^^ should be set at rest. 
Richard Lander, whose fidelity and perseverance 
had gained the approbation of the Government, offered 
his services to discover the termination of the Niger, 
by the obvious though hazardous alternative of em- 
barking at Bussah, and following the stream in a canoe 
whithersoever it might lead him. 
His brother John volunteered to accompany him, and 
having been furnished by Government with means, they 
commenced their arduous enterprise from Badagry, 
where they engaged some native attendants, who had 
served on the former occasion with Captain Clapperton.’^ 
Following nearly the same route taken by that officer 
' from Badagry, the Landers came to the banks of the 
Niger at Bussah ; where embarking with their four 
I Negroes, in a small open canoe, protected only by 
umbrellas from the scorching rays of the sun and the 
* They subsequently were also hired by Lander on the Liverpool 
Expedition. Pasco, the chief of them, was treacherously poisoned by 
I order of the then King of Iddah, for having “ shewn the white men 
the way up the river,” which he believed they could not have found 
but for him. — W. A. 
VOL. L 
C 
