Appendix.

439 interior to establisli a greater number of fixed points. What use vould there be in a single observation of lunar distance? In my map I can take no other course than to neglect these isolated observations, for only a long series can offer a satisfactory result. The Belgian traAellers have noTv been for years in the interior of Eastern Africa, but they have not yet furnished us with any scientific results. An isolated traveller can be forgiven much, but when a great society with large means sends out a well-equipped expedition, a large number of astronomical observations may reasonably be expected. The Italians in Shoa do the same thing. Certainly Antinori makes collections of animals and plants, but Avhat do the others do ?

What has prevented them from making a complete map of all the south of Abyssinia, and noticing what Beke has sent us from Gojam within a few months ? One hears of theodolites and other instruments, but it seems to me that they are scarcely used.' " " As you see, Ravenstein's criticism is severe, but just. If you do nothing but praise travellers without criticizing them, you will never excite in them a noble amour propre. I have little faith in those travellers who do not keep a journal, or who feel too tired after a day's march to write down their observations. How is it possible that no one marks his itinerary on the map ? One sees mountains and villages to right and left, and should take note of their names : it is thus that the maps of unknown districts get filled up, and this is the least that can be expected of explorers.

" By the last post I sent you a number of the Pharos of Alexandria, where a great caravan is spoken of, which arrived at Siut the end of April. We owe the revelation of this affair to a young master of the American Mission school in Siut, and to Rath, a - Sc.lnveinf urth ivrote this letter before the journey made Ly Biauchi, the late delegate of the Milan Exploration Society. — Eu.