New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-09-25
AFRICAN EXPLORATION.
DIR. JCNKER'S LAST WORK.

TRAVELS IN AFRICA DURING TIE YEARS l's2-
1856. by DR.. Wilhelm Jlnker. Translated from
me GeT pn by Hndon Chapman SsSs and Hail
This Is the closing volume Of DR.. Junker's
travels and Is 50 admirably translated that the
reader needs to be assured that the original text
was not written in English. The work Is Ger
man in method, all the details Of the authors
wandcrings in the Wee-Makna basin and else
where in Central Africa being reproduced with
minueness and thoroughness almost wcarsome -
the general reader. DR.. Junkers labors in this
field of exploration occupied eleven years, with
only ore interval of rest when il became necessary
for him to recruit his health BY visit to Europe
So arcuous were his experiences that his life was
sacrificed in the end since the last proofs OF this
work had hardly passed out Of his hands before
he fell a victim 70 an inSidious diseas', Tor
which the germs had been sewn in the swanps OF
Central Africa. To his honor 1t may be said
that his own life was the only one sacrificed In
consequence Of his pfotracted wamlerings lie
lived among the natives as one Of them, WAC at
tended only by unarmcd carriers and was not
responsible, either directly or indirectly, for the
loss Of single human life.
This volume embraces IL record Of Dr. Junker's
explorations in unex porcd regions between the
Upper Nile and the Congo, and his subsequent
residence in the Equatorial Provinces and final
retreat from Wadela TO Victoria Nyanza and
thence TO Zanzibar, via Tabora. lie had practi-
caly succeeded in reaching the sources Of the
Ncpoko, and in solving the Wclle-Makna problem
when he was compelled By the Mahdist revolt
20 retire eastward to 1ado, and 10 spend many
anxious months in the Equatorial Provinces
While the authors difuse method Of narrating
his adventures renders it laborous fr the general
L., ,ptol Nv nj n
understand the precise order Of events in Emln's
province, the chapters enriched with eth
biographical studies Of the population between the
Nile and the Congo. He also paid close attcn-
ton to the natural history Of the region, 80
that the record Of his travels is filed with scen-
tifc material Of great importance. The follo"-
ing interesting account Of wedding IT Iaio
illustrates the authors habits Of close Observa-
ton:
ON this occasion the bridal procession began shortly
before 5 o'clock The bride walked with some OF
the under large moSqulto-nct carried on
four poles, under which chair was borne that she
might rest al the frequent hatng places. In the
van aud in the rear OF the procession large lamps
and small coored Chinese lanterns were carried on
sticks, the whole being accompanied by music. n
troop OF negro women with their eternal tantominS
swaimed round about The men also Joined l,,, the
places the Arab women performed dances. and
witnessed very brutal custom Of the sudanese men,
Is chal,nge TO duel with the rhinoccros,hidc
whip which. being carried ont In the presence OF the
dancing women Is meaan 70 testify 10 the courage Of
the men, who give each other heavy blows Oh their
lnre shoulders and backs, which left thick weais.
Each has 10 take the number Of blows from his
oppt nent as he gives. Sometimes will
challenge three or four. 10 whom he deals In turn
savage blows, which are returned afterwari by Them
all In succession: The pain must have been ex-
ccssivc, but did rot see the men move n muscle.
The custom really Is for the bridegroom to receive
the bride his threshold and to carry her into the
house. but this form WIS omitted, the bride 10
be formally given away by her father the next day
ON the second day sent the we'll preserved carpet
Of my large angnreb TO Ali Etendl a. present. Tie
banquet took place In the evening, Emin hey being
present According to custom, there were several
series OF jewellers, those who not eating at the
moment taking their place OF the angarcbs set up In
front OF the houses had sent my boastcd bottle Of
vermouth and the few people of the first series each
got glass. These evening feasts usually last long
time, but this shortened, 80 many
monies to follow. lbrahim EGcndi was also
obliged 10 mako a procession. and was led first TO
yita's house where he was arrayed in taultlcss
black suit, lent n him by the master. In front Of
the house there were more chairs and angarehs. and
procession, accompanied by music, dancing. ana
Shouting. returned TO Al Eirends Here. after more
coffee or karkadsb, the bride given away. In
this ceremony the father and BRIDEGROOM sit down IN