New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-02-09
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
LONGS CENTRAL AFRICA.

In the principal Journey from Egypt to the interior
of Africa, which is described in this volume, the
author claims to have supplemented the discoveries
of Captain Speke Captain Grant, DR.. Livingstone
Dr. Schweinfurth, Sir Samuel Baker, and other ex-
plorers of the sources Of the Nile, by the estaosh
ment of new and important facts in the geography
of that region Among the results OF his expedition,
he alleges the further though not the complete eN
ploration of the Lake Victoria Nyanza, the estap-
lshment of connection between the Lakes
Victoria and Albert, and the discovery of
lake since named 1brahm, belonging 10 the
same system of basIns and adding another
great reservoir to the of the Nle IN addioh
TO an abundant store of curious observations IN re-
card to the character and habits of the natives Col.
Long is an American by birth who has served for
several years in the Egyptian army, evidently alnan
of enterprise and intrepidty with no disposition TO
underrate his own achievements, and with NIUE
reserve Difference of manner in his ausions TO the
labors of previous travellers His work Will be READ
with sincere interest by the students OF African ex
poraton and il will occasion no surprise II 1t should
call forth structures their part OF similar tone 10
his own comments.
The Expedition under the command OF Col. Gordon,
who had been recently appointed aforementioned
of the Equatorial Provinces, and of which the author
of this volume the Chief of staff, left Suez Feb
% 1874 and arrived at Khartoum on the 18th OF
March After stay of about a week, the party en-
balked for Gondokoro, where they arrived April IL,
having had difficult and dangerous voyage OF nearly
month by steam. After going through the duues
incident upon his arrival at his headquarters, Gov
ernor-Geperal Gordon decided 10 return to khar-
toum and there hasten forward the ear-guard on
its way from Cairo, and acting in concert with its
commander to accompany him back to Condo
koro. Meanwhile Col. Long had made up
his mind to start an excursion OF his
own, with the view of completing the work OF
CAPTAIN Sreke in connecting the two lakes Victoria
and Albert and Of visiting the famous African king,
Misc the savage chief of the territory of Uganda.
Col Gordon, before lis departure from hhartoun,
had been informed of the purpose of the author To
which he made no objections, although he regarded
the scheme as impracticable and chimercal. 1t was
difficult to procure suitable outfit at Gondokoro.
Only two soldiers from the garrison could he de-
tailed for the service. OF these, and two unfaith1
and useless servants, with miserable wretch IN
exile who enlisted as dragOman, one lbraim Ehendl.
the staff was composed 1t was The beginning of the
rainy season, and the scanty stores of coffee and
sugar, which had been hastily collected, received
fearful deuge on the night before starting, April
% Col. Long does not forget to celebrate tie
virtues of his faithful horse, Uganda, who was his
constant companion during the long and stormy
vigils that awaited his progress, and who procured
him the honors of human sacrifice when he
entered the presence of King Misc, in the guisc
of a centaur. The prospect on the morning OF de-
parture was anything but cheerful. The day
dawued in thunder, lightning and ram. The wet
season would continue at least six months. During
the whole of this time, the wild jungle grass spring
ing ND TO an enormous hight would often form an
ALMOST impossible barrier After leaving the last
military post no food could be obtained except from
the natives On taking an account Of stock Col Long
found a few pounds of bread, and several pounds of
sucar and coffee the remnant of few rations puT-
chased AT Khartoum, sufficient only for few days.
His personal outfit was the uniform On his back,
and change of under clothing. The remainder
consisted of beads, red CLOTH and otEer trumpery
articles packed in tin cases left by Baker, intended
as presents for the King of Ugnnda An escort of
several hundred negroes was to accompany him on
the first part of the route. After journey through
the wilderness of almost Incredible perils and hard
ships the party arrived in the domains OF King
M'Ts6 about the middle of June. The grand recep-
ton which took place a few days afteIward, was
attended with all the pomp and circumstance of
African monarchy
The flag Of Ugunda was carried at the head OF the
column side by side with the Egyptian nag iorns ana
drums kept mp dcafcning noise; the stter instrument
being accompanied be- vocal imitation OF the crow.
These people armed with alces formed in solid column
OF forty 10 nifty the roads here permitting this
formation; while on each side skfmishcFs dressed in
fantastic uniform, with feZ Of flannel ornamented with
black feathers, performed the most remarkable evolu-
tons, while firing the uncertain freloCks with which
the, armed, with reckless disregard of aim These
were the body guards of Use and had this curious priv
eCc. On each side Of the column marched numerous
body of men, wholly dressed IN plantaln leaves cn1onSy
arranged around the body, who win grlace ana wiz
gcscuaon kept time IN dance and shouts TO The accom-
anyin music. curious thiong OF young gls peercd
with startled gaze from the great banana forests
through which the cOrtege passed. or He'd Win gazele
feet.lsS the sight Of man and horse 1t was proud
Gay fo said, ABIDE ahman aud Sen, as they marched
in front Of me dressed IN their gay uniform kept for the
'IgUula" too seemed proud OF Tie dlSnc
on of being the first horse that had ever visited Central
Africa; aud who, through every season. had dehed me
Way deprecated his appearance; though ITS eeGt
upon beginning TO tell fearfully upon my health
and strength fearful arrangement of the stomach
from winch was now constant sufferer The column
halted for a moment IA wide plaza cieanly swept;
high palsade iuclOsed numerous wcbuit huts; while
the great portal of women We're collected This
was the residence Of the Queen Mother, the widow OF
tire deceased king snna, tie father Mise. nicely
dressed In hrcatless haste running from the
sen;ed me her royal and gracious sautatio and vel
come 10 Uganda. My soldier Selm interpreted him my
thanks and sautaiiohs and the column moved on over
hill Tavine, and through slOughs and bogs that.
stranse TO say chaIscerze every descent OF elevated
ground, until ascending high hll stood facing an
elevation not 500 yards away the palace of MTse King
Of Usunda forgot for The moment the physical pain
u which was victim. III the strange conpdGil that
presented itself TO my view. succession OF hills,
covered with banana groves, rolled away and lost them
selves the vapors which seemed To hold in mystery
the Lac Victoria. aud the unknown Nile On every
directly me, the gate of the palace,
stood Nfse himself, surrounded by great throng OF
struggling sight OF the "Mbuguru :" il the i'm
mediate vicinity OF my p.son the natyes had pfostrated
scene Soon with lightning speed several messengers
C,arEa'a come running toward me, aud throwing
themsri,, al my feet, conveyed the welcome
tier King. sclm thanked them III my Dalne ard they
hasten ia,k These men merit description here. Chosen
fer fcrOciUUs appearance, there i the Wild glare a
brutality il their cleaning eyes, and long black beard
IrOc.aied them OF other origin than the UguDdi,
dou3:edl, Mad! IheiF dress consists OF pantdoOn OF
rel aud black flannel boI,ered with black; tune Of
red flannel with black stripes, doman-iike across the
bret from which hangs fringe OF peculiar monEey