416 EXPLORATION, LABOUR QUESTION, ETC.

some splendid camels last year, which still do good work at Rejaf.

The number of new names I have just mentioned, and which are not yet to be found upon any map, will show you what a large tract of new country we have now to deal with, especially when I add that the places are not situated at five to six hours’ march from one another, but often at a distance of from six to eight days’ good march, and even more.

Is it not about time for me to remind you of your friendly promise to assist me whenever you could? Our stations now form as good a basis for the exploration of the country as you could possibly wish, and I need not add that I would do all in my power to aid explorers.

A great deal of money is given now-a-days—unfortunately in Germany as elsewhere—for the exploration of the worn-out routes which lead from Zanzibar into the interior; men and money, too, are sacrificed on the west coast, while there lie here scientific treasures within reach, and no one heeds them! I apply to you, then—the approved master of African exploration, a disinterested promoter of scientific research—with the earnest and sincere request to use the proffered opportunity, either yourself or for others, who, if sent by you, will always be welcome. Will you not let German explorers have the honour of opening up this new, rich field? No delay, however—you know well enough how precarious official positions are in the Hast—and it is a question whether my successor will take an interest in science. Do not think me arrogant for using this last expression; on the contrary, I am perfectly well aware that I am one of those ‘‘ of whom you do not know the stamp,” as Professor Hartmann was fond of saying. You, however, who have known the East for a long time, will probably say that I am right.

And now I will touch upon another point which appears to me to be a vital one, and upon which I would ask your advice and help in the name of those ties which bind you to our country. You were, I think, the first to propose the immieration of Chinese to open up Central Africa. Since the government of this province was entrusted to me three years ago, I have certainly studied the people and the country