TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE.

Altiiougii of late years much has been done to explore that least known quarter of our globe, Africa, and many works of deep interest, valuable information, and exciting incident have appeared, recounting bold and enterprising expeditions into that country, none of them surpasses the "Feldzug nach Taka," lately published by Ilerr Werne, nor does any of them treat of those almost unknown districts of Africa into which his wanderings led him. In a recent number of " Blackwood's Magazine," in which Mr. Yerne's work was ably analysed, the writer says of it : — " In various respects, Mr. Wcrne's 'Feldzug' is one of the most curious books of travel and adventure that, for a very long time, has aj)pearcd. It has three points of particular attraction and originality. In the first place, the author wanders in a region previously unexplored by Christian and educated travellers, and amongst tribes whose bare names have reached the ears of but few Europeans.

Secondly, he campaigns as officer in such an army as we can hardly realise in these days of higli civilisation and strict military discipline, — so wild, motley, and grotesque ai'c its customs, composition, and equipment, — an army whose savage Avarriors, strange practices, and barbarous cruelties, make us fancy ourselves in presence of some fierce jNIoslem horde of the middle ages marching to the assault of Italy or Hungary. ThiixUy, during his long sojourn in the camp, he had ojiportunities such as few ordinary travellers enjoy, and