Travels in the Interior of Africa

narrative into different parts of my work; and Major Rennell, with equal good will, allows me to embellish and elucidate my Travels with the map before mentioned.

Thus aided and encouraged, I should deliver this volume to the world with that confidence of a favourable reception which no merits of my own could authorize me to claim, were I not apprehensive that expectations have been formed by some of my subscribers, of discoveries to be unfolded which I have not made, and of wonders to be related of which I am utterly ignorant. There is danger that those who feel a disappointment of this nature, finding less to astonish and amuse in my book than they had promised to themselves beforehand, will not even allow me the little merit which I really possess. Painful as this circumstance may prove to my feelings, I shall console myself under it, if the distinguished persons, under whose auspices I entered on my mission, shall allow that I have executed the duties of it to their satisfaction; and that they consider the Journal, which I have now the honour to present to them, to be, what I have endeavoured to make it, an honest and faithful report of my proceedings and observations in their service, from the outset of my journey to its termination.

M. P.

The applause with which Mr. Park's work was received, and the permanent reputation which it has obtained, are well known. Two impressions were rapidly sold off; numerous edi

tions have since been called for; and it continues, even at the present time, to be a popular and standard book. This distinguished success has been owing, not only to the interesting nature of its subject, but in a certain degree also to the merits of the work as a composition; to the clearness of the descriptions, the natural and easy flow of the narration, and the general elegance of the style.

But the essential merit of this book, and that which has conferred a lasting distinction on the name of its author, consists in the authentic and important information which it contains. Considered in this point of view, it must unquestionably be regarded as among the greatest accessions to the stock of geographical knowledge which was ever made by any single traveller.

Among the great variety of facts concerning the interior of Africa not before known, or at least not ascertained, which the labours of Park placed beyond all doubt, the most interesting unquestionably was that which relates to the great inland river, the Niger, as a distinct and separate stream, with a course from west to east.

In addition to this and other discoveries relative to the physical state of Africa, others were made by Park scarcely less important in what may be termed its moral geography; namely, the kind and amiable dispositions of the Negro inhabitants of the interior, as contrasted with the intolerance and brutal ferocity of the Moors; the existence of great and populous cities in the heart of Africa; and the higher state of improvement and

superior civilization of the inhabitants of the interior, on a comparison with the inhabitants of the countries adjoining to the coast; and the anecdotes which are interspersed, illustrative of the character and disposition of the Negro inhabitants at a distance from the coast, and beyond the influence of the slave trade, are in the highest degree interesting and affecting.

The difficulties and dangers endured by the Author in traversing this unknown continent; and the rare union of courage, prudence, temper, and perseverance, with the greatest ardour and enterprise, which distinguished his conduct in the most trying situations, give an additional value to Park's narrative. In this important but difficult part of his work he appears to have been peculiarly successful. His natural and unaffected manner of describing exertions and sufferings which almost surpass the fictions of romance, carries a feeling and conviction of truth to the mind of every reader, and excites deeper and more powerful emotions than have often been produced, even by works of imagination.

The following African words recurring very frequently in the course of the narrative, it is thought necessary to prefix an explanation of them for the Reader's convenience.

Alkaid-The head magistrate of a town or province, whose office is commonly hereditary.

Baloon-A room in which strangers are commonly lodged.

Bar-Nominal money: a single bar is equal in value to two shillings sterling or

hereabouts.

Bentang-A sort of stage, erected in every town, answering the purpose

hall.

Bushreen-A Mussulman.

of a town

Calabash-A species of gourd, of which the Negroes make bowls and dishes. Coffle or Cafila--A caravan of slaves, or a company of people travelling with any kind of merchandise.

Cowries-Small shells, which pass for money in the interior.

Dooty-Another name for the chief magistrate of a town or province; this word is used only in the interior countries.

Kafir-A Pagan native; an unbeliever.

Korree-A watering-place where shepherds keep their cattle.

Kouskous-A dish prepared from boiled corn.

Mansa-A king or chief governor.

Minkalli-A quantity of gold, nearly equal in value to ten shillings sterling.

Paddle-A sort of hoe used in husbandry.

Palaver-A court of justice; a public meeting of any kind.

Saphie-An amulet or charm.

Shea tou-lou-Vegetable butter.

Slatees-Free black merchants, who trade chiefly in slaves.