The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-01-22


gree Of north latitude. This expedition cast bu.
country, it's productions and climate; aud Aehemet
All shortly afterwards ordered second expedition.
n. ID AnaUd, Frenchnan, Was appointed com
msnder, and M. sabstier was associated with him.
An immense number Of observations OF all kinds
were nade but, unfortunately, as we before stated
N. D'Arnaud's narrative has never been published
the only memorials OF the expedition are few de-
tached observations and simple reduction OF the
large chart Of the voyage. This expedition only
penetrated as far as four degrees fotytgo minutes
for'y-two seconds north latitude.
During this voyage the state Of he river was
carefully observed. Soundings; measurements and
elevations were taken; the Niles swiftness was
Doted az various places, as also the productions oil
the soil particulars in reference to the natives their
habits aud customs. All this labor remains unpub
lsbed as also the observations Of latitude and lon
gitude, and the large chart accompanying them
Our travellers were enabled TO establ SD and main
tain friendly relations with the natives, and Ger
tain Neck or petty king, named Lagono, treated
them very kindly.
Since this memorable expedition, several others
have been attempted upon the White Nile. We may
cite in particular that of the members OF the Aus
sfian mission, established at Khartoum. Don lgna-
thus kno becher chief of the mission, and Don a.
gelo Vipco examined every bend in the Nile as far
| as penetrated by d'ArDauds expedition, and even
further il is pretended that Don Angelo got as fr
as the second degree of north latitude. Ihere, /,
was reported, the river was much narrowed and
navigation became very difficult; tue bed
showed many rapid currents, and was ire
quently INSTRUCTED with rocks. NJ. dATaud
had previously remarked this dim mutton IN the
width and depth of the Nile, which led him to
Comic cture at the time that the source or one OF the
sources, of the river was not very distant. Never
theess the report II the natives as also OF the mus
sioDaries, coDtradicts this conjecture. According
to them, the river continues its course far away be-
yond that point.
such is in brief, the history of the more impor-
tant attempts hitherto made TO trace out the course
int<h he. Mt c-1ar VrnT
present condition of the country as far as the limits
OF actual discovery. According TO NJ. Jomard, the
navigation Of the river ot the present day is open 10
Egyptian commerce. For twelve years past Euro
pean merchants traffic peaceaoy with the IA
tives and collect large amountof ivory. The whole
country, IN effect, appears swarming with elephants;
but the rivalry OF trade provokes frequent disorder,
without speaking oil the imprudcnce OF merchants,
who are sometimes guilty Of violence towards the
inhabitants. These latter are peaceable, hospi-
table aud thickly settled upon either bank. Dis
putes and quarels having led to serious tumuts, the
Egyptian government has introduced precantor-
airy measure: Egyptian posts have been established
upon the White Nile, and the various commandants
are charged TO protect commerce and the natives,
and, at the same time to prevent the abuses OF IL
valry. These armed posts and forts have garrisons
which render them respected. On the other hand,
the Austrian mission has an establishment at Kbar
toum, ard a second one of less importance at the
fifth degree OF north latitude The missionaries are
on good terms with the natives Of the country.
The Governor Of Egyptian Soudan, who resides
at Khartoum has received full instructions to furnish
to the expedition of Ms lEscayrac de Lauture every
succor and support OF which it may stand IN nee l.
The expedition will thus be in perfect safety from
Is deg. &c min. 80 Sec, the latitude of
KbaItoum, far as the fifth degree of north liti
tu6e. This enterprise is superior TO all WIN IN have
preceded 1t, as REGARDS the security with which it
will a:vsnce and the excellent officers chosen TO
effect those scientific researches which are the object
of the expedition. The varied attainments and eX.
tensiye knowledge Of the different members, aud
al
tiic researches being made under the most favorable
auspices. Observations in reference to physical
laws viii be taken with great care; magnetic pheno
mena viii receive particular attention; whilst the
botanists and biologists Of the expedition viii pur.
sue thcirresearches in climes where no European
has hitherto penetrated. InlusoriG, invisible 70 the
naked eye Will be Investigated by the most rigor-
Gus methods known to naturalets the &C.
ographical department will be based upon
astronomical observations, and the study of
oitrentricss OF human beings 80 interesting, IN that
quarter of the world, will lie the constant occupa-
tion Of men who have artady given proof OF talent
in this portion Of natural science Photographic art
will give in valuable assistance, passing new scenes
before the scientific world; and the specimens
brought away will permit everybody 10 form an eX-
act icea Of al that il interesting in the varied re-
searches OF the expedition.
ibis enterprise, which has for its object the dis
covery OF portions Of the Artisan continent now
unknown is commencing under the most favorable
auspices and holds forth the hsppest results to sci
once, commerce and civilization. our travellers be-
gan asc ndng the Mic NJ Tue commandments oil
last October. and il j. believed they will retarn
within two yeas.
From an Alexandra (Egyp;l lettsr, Dsc s.
II has been decided that the expedition organised
ly Mr. IEscayrac dc Lauture for the exploration Of
the White Nile will FOR toe present not proceed be-
ycnd Assouan. This determination has been caused
chiefly by the advanced state Of the season, but II is
said that NJ dc autour hopes that the delay viii 70
some extent be productive OF good results inasmuch
as IL will afford the members OF the expedition an
opportunity foracclimatising themselves, and thus
better enable them TO encounter one OF the dangers
Of their journey. Many persons, however, fear that
the delay will prove doathblow 10 tho Undertaking
"a consummation that would he matter for. serious
regret considering the trouble that has been TAKEN
and the heavy expense estimated NJ July t90,OO0,
that has been incurred by the Egyptian government
In fitting out the expedition. Mr.. Twytord had ar.
rived at Assouap with the otla Of boats patched
under his charge but the news he's a, the same ae
reached u that Of be small steamers was dashed
10 pieces in attempting to pass the first cataract.
NIw SCIENTIFIC ExPEprTIoy TO TN East ISDrrs.
The Austrian government are about despatchng
one of their vessels, the Sovara, for scientific ex
petition around the globe. an undertaking which
exoites much remark in Austria, and cluscs the
AugsJugeT to wish that one or two frigates might
be attached 10 the expedition, in order 10 make an
impression upon the Chinese and japanese, and per
haps gain from them similar commercial privileges
10 those already conceded TO the United states and
England. This, il is thought, would ~ the more
desirable. in view Of the opening Of the canal o.
Suez, and would DC even more readily granted by
the Chucse and japanese TO an unprc.en5Dg m irI-
time royer Ike Austria than 70 their grlsping and