PREFACE.

I FEEL that some apology is due for adding another to the

numerous books of travel that have been written, during the

last few years, on Africa. My excuse must be the interest

always taken in whatever relates to Africa and the African,

and the fact that a considerable part of the ground trav-

ersed — namely, that through the Base country — was terra

incognita^ and had not been explored previous to our visit.

The Base, or Kunama, tribe, who inhabit this district, are

far more uncivilised than any other people who dwell in

that part of Africa. They are of a totally different type

;

much blacker, and more closely allied to the pure negro, than

any of their neighbours. To penetrate into the heart of their

country, had for some time been with me a cherished project;

and I had often discussed its feasibility with Egyptian offi-

cials and others in the Soudan, during previous journeys

made in the country, but had been invariably told that it

was next to impossible to accomplish my desire. On all hands we were informed that the Base were most

treacherous, and that, although there was not much danger of

their attacking so large a party as we were by day, they would

not hesitate to take advantage of us during the darkness of

night, if an opportunity presented itself. My narrative will

show that a little tact and care on our part overcame these

V