TRAVELS IN CENTE.AL AFRICA. 
only glass beads, cowrie- shells, and copper wire in exchange for 
the raw produce of the country they inhabit, I have discovered 
a growing desire for clothing. As to chiefs of tribes and others 
to whom I have been indebted for some service or assistance 
rendered, I have invariably presented them with a cotton shirt, 
of which they are not only proud, but value more than the 
ordinary glass ornaments ; and it is my opinion that as soon as 
the trade now established shall have glutted their desire for 
beads, cotton cloths, as in the case at Darfour, will become the 
principal object of exchange. 
“ When I first visited the Soudan provinces, the annual export 
of gum arabic thence to Europe did not exceed eighty tons 
annually, and the quantity of ivory from Central Africa by the 
White Eiver was confined to twenty tons. Now one hundred 
tons of ivory and five hundred tons of gum arabic, of the value 
of £80,000 per annum, are exported, the greater part of which 
is returned to the Soudan in the shape of British manufactures. 
“ In justice to myself, I might also state that during a period 
of eleven years’ residence in these remote points, my own humble 
efforts and example have in no slight degree contributed to the 
realization of the above results. The Eoyal Gleographical Society, 
through its influence with Her Alajesty’s Glovernment, having 
obtained a grant to enable Captain Speke to follow up his 
discoveries northwards, and in consequence of the desire ex- 
pressed that I should meet Captain Speke on the confines of his 
lake, and assist him on his way north of the Equator and down 
the Nile, I am happy to state that from several years’ experience 
of the tribes, and feeling a lively desire for adventure, particularly 
when connected with the noble pursuit of scientific discovery, I 
believe myself to be in a position to render that gentleman very 
material assistance ; and, provided ifc will meet with the approba- 
tion of Her Majesty’s Government, I shall be happy to devote 
