Chapter I. 
Thus it came about that the estimated altitude of the 
highest peaks varied between 15,000 and above 18,000 feet. 
The only trustworthy measurement was that derived from 
triangulation applied to the peak which appeared to be the 
highest. The triangulation was taken from various points to 
the south-east of this peak by Lieutenant Behrens of the Anglo- 
German Boundary Commission. The calculations based upon 
this triangulation gave a height of 16,757 feet. Colonel C. 
Delme Badcliffe, however, who was at tlie head of this Com¬ 
mission, noted the possibility of higher peaks existing further 
northward and not visible from the point of observation. 
The chain of Ruwenzori, without doubt the most important 
group of mountains and glaciers in Africa, and the one mystery 
still unexplored with regard to the question of the sources of 
the Nile, promised a fertile field for research. The arduous 
character of the undertaking and the uncertainty as to what 
obstacles might be encountered were calculated rather to 
attract than to dissuade so ardent an explorer and so keen a 
climber as H.R.H. the Duke of the Abruzzi. 
