GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
It is an unquestionable fact, that Geography has gained very
considerably by Mr. Horneman’s travels; though not quite so
much as if he had transmitted the general bearings of the different
portions of his routes; as well as the latitudes of some
important geographical points ; together with an account of the
time employed between Fezzan and Tripoly. However, very
great allowances must be made, for the critical situation in which
he was placed ; from the difficulty of supporting the character
he had . assumed, whilst he was forwarding the purposes of the
Association.
It may be justly remarked, that the course of a few years, has
solved many of the questions respecting the geography and natural
history of Africa, that appeared the most important and curious,
during a series of ages : and it may be added, that the physical
geography of Africa, turns out to be more remarkable than was even
supposed.
Of the questions either wholly, or in part, solved, may be reckoned
the following :
First. The general direction of the stream of the Niger, now
proved by Mr. Park, to be from west to east ; although thè place
and mode of its termination, are not exactly known.
Secondly. The place of the remote head of the Nile ; in all ages
a desideratum : and which, although it has not been actually visited,
may fairly be believed, on the authority of Mr. Brownes information
: more especially, as it agrees so nearly with the report of the
Darfoor people, to Ledyard, at Cairo ; with the reports of the Arabian
geographers ; and with the information collected by M. Maillet,
in. Egypt.
Thirdly. The place of the Oasis, and remains of the temple of
Jupiter Ammon ; discovered by Mr. Browne, and corroborated by
Mr. Horneman : as also, the exact position and extent of the Greater
Oasis, by Mr. Browne ; and the approximated position of the Lesser
Oasis, by‘the joint inquiries of the same gentlemen.
Fourthly. The position of the nation called Gafamantes by the
ancients ; derived from information collected by thé African Association.
Fifthly. The truth of the question respecting the Lotus ; which,
considered fairly, and stripped of the poetical ideas annexed to it, is
really what the ancients described it to be. The merit of this discovery,
or at least, the distinct proof of it, rests, in a great measure,
with Mr. Park.
Sixthly. The proof of certain facts stated by the ancients ; as,
1. The Dates of the distant inland tracts, being gathered by the
people of the sea coast.
2. The Mons Ater o f Pliny, recognised in the Black Harutsch.
3. The site of Memphis, before involved in doubt and obscurity.