The yelabba.

great exactitude in tlie description given by me of the sliape and size of the lake.

In one of my reports to Gordon Pasha, I pointed out that only to explore the river between Dufile and the lake, taking an exact plan of all the islands and affluents, would require six months' time, even if the explorer were furnished with a good boat and the necessary means. For the moment my task is not geographical, but as soon as I have fulfilled my present mission, and then explored the Sobat, I shall return to those countries with pleasure, in order to go to Monbuttu and solve the problem of the Welle, both with regard to its origin and to its course. It is certain that such a journey will offer serious difficulties, for the savages in those parts are very ferocious and numerous, especially towards the west, but with perseverance and patience it is possible to overcome all hindrances. You, dear Camperio, will be better able than I to appreciate the interest of such an exploration, and, principally, what importance it would have for the Egyptian Government. If the river seen by me is navigable, one could leave the Nile on little steamers of small draught, and reach the Congo, passing through the richest parts of Central Africa. Yussuf Bey asserts that there are rocks in the Welle, but during the rains these are covered by twelve or sixteen feet of water ; taking into account that the harif in these parts lasts for about nine months, there would not be much difficulty or loss of time in the navigation.

22}id October, 1878. — Mj post from Khartoum is already fifty days late, although it was confided to a ver}' energetic person ; and to think that only four or five days' march separates us from Gaba-Shambe ! Yesterday the Mudir of Makrnka arrived with a part of his forces, composed of Besingers, all handsome fellows, from the countries of Makraka, Gurguro, These notes are taken from a letter to the editor of tlie Esploratore.