The New York herald., 1876-02-26
CAMERON'S AFRICAN EXPEDITION.

Some particulars Of Lieutenant Cameron's expedition
appear in the Geographical Mdgasine (Iondon) for
February.
"Cameron's extraordinary merit" says the writer,
ress mainly on the number value of his scientific
observations. The total distance over which he has
marched from Zanzibar to Benguela is 2, 953 miles.
Along this route he has fixed So positions and taken
706 observations consisting OF 1877 for latitude by
north south OF the zenith 196 for time, 36S lunar
observations for the SUMS eclipse of April G. 1875
four amplitudes for compass variation. His
method of observing unars for longitude is of the first
order--namely by stars east and west of the moons
enlightened limb-and by computing his observations
he has not only ad down his route accurately but has
also projected remarkable section of the
country which he travelled, from the
Indian Ocean to the Atlantic The heights
Of places above the sea are determined
by four Cascllas aneroids including 3 us obscrva-
tions and by seventy observations of five boiling point
thermometers. The itinerary gives the approximate
latitude and longitude OF all the places visited and their
from each other aud by this itinerary with the
observations for height the section sheets have been
projected Cameron also collected vocabulary OF the
language OF interior Africa, comprising 1,400
words As brave and resolute traveller the young
lieutenant takes hrs place the FIRST rank OF African
explorers. AS scientific observer he stands alone
dcie princpS But not the least satisfactory feature
In his great achievement is the absence OF that trucu
lent blood shedding and slaughter Of which wo have
the track Of the gallant sailor who has crossed tropical
Africa and has among people who before set
eyes upon white man. genial friend, not de-
stroyer. He has proved himself TO be worthy repre-
sentative OF his country and the reputation OF the noble
profession 10 which he belongs has been safe in his
hands The vast importance OF Cameron's discov-
eries, which establish Arm basis the geography OF
south tropical Africa cannot be fully appreciated and
understood without a carefully prepared map accom-
panied by a critical commentary, which will be pub
lshed IN our number Tor March. Meanwhile may
look for the return 70 this country Of the great traveller
himself where he will receive hearty and cordial well
sThere Is but ono sad thought to cast shadow over
his success In one Of his letters from Loanda he
ouchngly alludes to the untimely death OF his poor
friend Dillon, and that his pleasure would be
pete II his old meSsmae could also have been writing
home at his side Dillon nobly fell Cameron has
been spared to achieve great success for which he has
earned the admiration of his countrymen, and by
which he has added another name 10 the long and go-
rious roll OF English dscoverers But Cameron him.
self has abstaned from laying any claim to theoretical
or hypothetical discoveries, and has merely
stated facts that have come under his observa-
ton and the reports he has collected iroM Arabs
and natives. He never claimed the discovery Of the
outlet 70 Lake Tanganyika He has simply described
stream called the Lukuga which he found to be ow-
ing out OF the lake. and the OF which he fol-
lowed tor four miles He leaves deductions TO geogra-
piers at home. while he furnishes them with
data forming their conclusions. II is Burton who
has generously called his young successor tho second
dlscOverer OF Tanganyika' Camcron's observations
more complete than those OF any previous traveller
but he speaks with characteristic modesty OF his dis
coveres AS for geographical work. he says, Il have
cleared up lot Of mistness II not positive darkness
but the work Is immense and ought TO be taken In hand
thoroughly and not by desultory expeditions which
make their way 10 ono point and then have to come
away with their work unfinished. Fresh men should
take up the work OF their predecessors instead Of
at present, every man having 10 hunt Tor his own
needle IN his bundle Of hay, II all travellers
worked and observed Cameron has done there would
be little left TO desire" 4"