APPENDIX. 
443 
conceal the arms, — for though everything like violence or 
menace should be repressed, yet among such people the evidence 
of superior strength will obviate its employment. 
Wo further desire that every exploring party, whether by 
land or water, should be accompanied by a medical officer, not 
only for the benefit of his comrades, but from the favourable 
impression that medical skill is sure of making on the artless 
and ignorant nation. While in the upper reaches of the river, 
some tempting opportunity may occur of sending an exploring 
mission overland ; and though we do not altogether forbid occa- 
sional adventures of this kind, yet we insist on their never being 
undertaken but on the most sufficient grounds, where the object 
has been fairly weighed against the means, and where there is 
no probable doubt of a successful and pacific result. Distant 
and doubtful discoveries must be deferred to other opportunities. 
Though any accurate knowledge of the country cannot be 
expected from the natives, yet by a series of judicious inquiries, 
frequently repeated and never put in a leading form, much gene- 
ral information may be obtained. Their memories can supply 
surprisingly accurate itineraries, — they can describe the magni- 
tude and distance of the high knots and chains of mountains, 
and the direction and breadth of the intervening basins of the 
rivers and lakes. They know the principal products of their 
own and of the neighbouring districts, and of the caravans that 
transport them, and you will be able to learn from them the 
commencement and duration of the periodic rains in the distant 
mountain groups, which will throw a useful light on the per^ 
plexing subject of tho intermitting rise of the rivers. 
To give the greater dignity and weight to your proceedings: 
at those places where chiefs of a certain rank reside, it may 
sometimes be prudent to retain with you more than one of the 
vessels under your command ; but, whenever possible, two of 
them should be kept employed in exploring and surveying. 
The upper parts of the river, as above directed, will first 
engage your attention, but afterwards, when the proper season 
arrives, you will undertake the - examination of complicated 
branches through the delta, and the discovery of the quickest 
and surest channel of communication with the sea. Tho Benin 
