DR. JUNKER’S ARRIVAL. 461 a panegyric on myself. I should be sorry that you, above all, should suspect that such demonstrations “to make my merits known to the world” are due to my instigation. I must, therefore, earnestly beg you to leave out the passage, should you wish to publish the despatch. Hxcuse its insertion. I have now served nearly nine years on the equator, and during this time I have never resorted to puffs—though they seem to be necessary in Keypt if a man wishes to get on.

_ T have some fine specimens for you from Unyoro and Uganda, and I will do my utmost to obtain others. As my presence is urgently demanded in the south, I shall probably make an excursion to the lake after the arrival of the steamer, and shall then have an opportunity of purchasing some ethnographical specimens.

January I, 1884. A happy New Year to you! Will you sometimes think of me during this year, and send me a line occasionally? I really need it, so look on it as charity. You have surely lived long enough in Africa to have learnt the value of a few kind words or a sympathising letter.

January 8, 1884.

Here is a great surprise; he is coming after all—Junker, I mean. According to a letter from him, dated November 16, which I received to-day through Monbuttu, he had started off from Zemio’s on that very day, intending to reach the main north road, which terminates at Ansea’s (Makraka), straight through Ndoruma’s and Mbio’s territories, or, if this were impossible, by a détour to the south through Binza’s and Wando’s districts. His letters from Europe had reached him on November 15, and though he had made a day’s march northwards, he was induced by news he received from Lupton Bey to turn back and direct his steps hither. So I hope to have the opportunity of welcoming him here about the middle of this month, and you can well imagine what a pleasure it will be.

January 23, 1884.

This morning our friend Junker arrived here safely and in good health. God grant that a steamboat may come shortly