Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1851-06-06
From the London Athen aum.
Central Reufons of Africa.

Central Regions of Africa.
q I am happy to be able to inform you that the
great expedition in the north of Africa has been
more successful than that in the south to explore
Lake Ngami. Letters from DIR. Barth and DR.. Over
veg inform us of their having accomplished the
journey the Great Desert, Sahara, and of
their arrival the frontiers of the kingdom OF
Air. or Asben Air is the modern Tuariok, and As
ben the ancient Sudan NAME the most powerful in
that part of Africa after Bornu, and explored
by Europeans. On the oath August, the date of
their last letters, they were at Taradshit small
place, which, from itineraries sent by Dr. Overweg
in former letter. and from the positions of Mussuk
and Kano place in about 20 80 N. lat, and 9 20
long. E. of Greenwich.
q From my former communication it will have
been that the two travellers left Mursuk the
18th of June, leaving Mr. Richardson at that place
to await the Tuarick escort from Chat. Much de-
lay Was caused by this circumstance especially at
Hatita, the we-known Tuarick chief, is now an old
and decrepit man, able to travel only at slow pace
so that the journey from Mursuk to Chat which is
generally accomplished in twelve days. occupied
them thirty-six. They were however, compensated
by the discovery of some extremely curious rock
sculptures in the Wady Tessare, about twenty
English miles west of Wady Elauwen, which is "a
bout 10 English miles west of Mursuk, roughly
timated One Of these sculptures consists Of hui
bird and hull-headed figures armed with spears,
shields and arrows and combating for child. The
other is fine group of oxen going to watering
place most artifcially grouped and skilfuly execu
ted
q In the opinion of both travellers, the two works
bear a striking unmistakeable resemblance of Egypt.
They are evedently of very high antiquity, and SUI
perior to other sculp tures of recent
date found by the travellers, in which camels gener-
ally formed the principal object They most proba-
bly, relate to period of ancient Libyan history,
when camels were unknown in that part of Africa.
and used in their stead.
"The travellers also collected much information
relative to the general physical character geology
and natural history of the region between Musuk
and Chat. From the former place westward the
country was found to ascend as far as beyond Wady
Talissare whence it descended into the deep Wady
Talja, which runs from north to south, in direct
parallel with Wady Chat from which it is separated
by range of steep hills. This range, as we'll the
eliminating portion of the table land to the east
consists like that found between TRIPOD and Mursuk
of black sandstone with substrata of limestone and
mari. The SUBMITS of these sandstone ridges form
pointed sharp-edged knife-like cress, which it is
out of the question to think of ascending going
long Of fossil remains, orthoceras, brachyopoda,
&C., were founded.
| with respect to the botanical character of this
part of Africa, greater number of gramneous
plants found in the rich Wadis than had pre-
viously been met with. Of trees the taha and let
heb had taken the place of the date palm which was
not seen beyond Tessauna, about two days journey
lest of Mursuk Water plentiful in the wells
even pools, remaining from the last rains met
with in of the Wadis which are generally dry.
Flocks of pouleis de CARTHAGE attracted by the
water, precious in these regions as we'll as num-
bers of small BIRDS gazes hares foxes and dormice
enlivened the surrounding country. In the large
Wads, near G hat, numerous traces of wild asses
were observed.
':The expedition arrived at Chat on the 18th Ju-
ly, and at Taradshit the 22d of August. Of their
stay at the former place, their transactions with the
Tuaricks and their journey to the kingdom of Air,
further particulars may be expected shortly.
:. ma add that his haastv tho Kipr Of Drus 10
has been pleased, at the instance of the Chevaier
Bunsen and Baron Alexander Won Humboldt, to
augment the funds of the two travellers by grant
of 1000 thalers"
! HUNTING HYENA IN ALGIERs.--The Arabs
have most singular way of catching hyenas-one
that almost equals the wolftaking exploits of Gen
Putnam himself We find the following account &C
credited to the Paris Constitutional, the editor OF
which obtained it in letter from French officer in
Algiers:
"A short time since, the commandment of the bat
talon OF Turcos. native soldiers. Informed
that female hyena had been seen in the neighbor.
I hood OF Mostaganem near MaZagran, and that she
had taken refuge in about one hundred yards
in depth. Orders were Immediately given to care
fully guard the entrance to the cave. Two Turcos
provided with simple cord and small chain, went
into the cave, without weapons and merely carrying
a candle, and in about hour, to the great aston
ishment of the spectators, enormous hyena ap
peared muzzled and allowing itself to be led along
with the doclity of sheep.
According to the account given by the Arabs. the
animal, dazzled by the light of the candle, allows
itself to be handled and caressed like young dog
and during this time the hunter takes care to muz
ze it, and thus prevents the possibility of its doing
any mischief Two soldiers were, however, two
days since, seriously wounded by one of these ami
mails, which suddenly resumed its ferocity, and, af
ter biting through the muzzle, took to flight afte
knocking down its two assaants. 1t is impossible
for anything to equal the courage and temerit,
shown by the natives in these sports.
A SIGN AS IS S1GN.-We think bad spoilers viii
have little difficulty in understanding the following
sign, which taken from store door in com
mercial town in California. Phor Sail Hear, Boot
.S Shooz, Melassez Winnegar, Pork & Beens can
dies pipes tin kittles, orsturs CLAIMS, bear skins
slider, brandy, wood, tobakker hats, capps, nutmegs
pertaters & other tin ware besides lot of othe
things witch amt menshine hear. Pheed for sa1
; hear, IN emmy qacontity by the qwort.
A Rich Story.
? Some weeks ago there gathering of tn
, alumni of Rockand College, Louisiana, when tn
following hitherto meditated story was told We ar
- ind bto1 for To re Nv