May 24, 1858.] 
AFRICA— NIGER, CONGO. 
317 
Niger Expedition . — In reference to the Niger, or Quorra, I have 
been further reminded by Mr. M‘ Queen tbat both Clapperton and 
Lander have left behind records that the river for some distance 
both below and above Boussa, if not unnavigable, owing to rocks 
and rapids, is probably useless as a highway for any trading pur- 
pose. In the days, however, of those explorers, steam had not been 
applied in the ascent of African rivers ; and although too great a 
confidence in that power may have led to the dilemma by which 
the Day Spring was wrecked, we have the satisfaction of knowing 
that, although the party lost their papers and collections, and saved 
barely provisions and articles of barter enough to support them- 
selves, and possibly to effect the main object of the expedition, 
still it was supposed that the persevering and able commander, 
Dr. Baikie, might succeed in establishing an intercourse with the 
Sultan of Sokato. At the same time the arrival of another steamer, 
the Sunbeam , which has been so speedily equipped by Mr. Macgregor 
Laird, will soon restore the confidence in our resources with which 
it is sought to impress the native chiefs. 
We must, however, bear in mind that attempts to navigate unsur- 
veyed tropical (African) rivers must be attended with danger, 
owing to the great oscillations in their depths between the periods 
of high flood and those of the dry season. 
In thus briefly alluding to the Niger Expedition, of which I still 
hope to announce good results at our next Anniversary, it is grati- 
fying to know that one favourable circumstance has already arisen 
out of their effort, in the establishment, by our Associate, Mr. May, 
of a direct and undisturbed line of transit between Boussa and our 
great establishment of Lagos, on the coast, which promises to be of 
high importance in securing our intercourse with Central Africa. 
Congo, fyc . — The Congo was ascended in the beginning of last 
year by Commanders Hunt and Moresby, r.n., who, after great 
exertion in tracking their boats against the powerful current, were 
finally brought to a standstill by what they consider to have been 
the cataracts of Yallila, four days above Embona. 
The river was broad and uninteresting for the first 70 miles, as 
far as Embona ; but immediately beyond that place the nature of the 
country it flowed through underwent a complete change, and high 
hills, diversified scenery, and luxuriant vegetation began to appear. 
The current increased in rapidity, until at the farthest point reached 
by the party the Congo poured its whole stream between two pro- 
montories only 250 yards apart, roaring and rushing with fearful 
