The Canton times. (Canton, Miss.) 1893-1906, 1896-01-31

me First Man to Reach Lake Rudolf.
Africa. from the Nortb

n africa. from tho North
Recently a telegram was received
from Alden from DR.. Donaldson smith
an American well known in this c;tv
ind in Philadelphia, announcing ne
success OF the expedition for the ex-
Pioration Of the region about Lake Ru-
noir, East Africa, upon which he en-
tered some 1S months ago. DR.. Smith
enjoys the distinction-the result az
ms recent endeavor-of being the first
white man to reach Lake Rudolf from
ehe north. While on sporting trip to
Somaliland it occurred to him that he
might do useful exploring work fur
tner ID the interior, where there are
Still vast areas practically unknown to
the geographer. In May, 1894, he
started on his trip, aiming to traverse
oomailland, the Gala country and the
unknown belt of the country that lies
70 the north and northeast of the two
lakes discovered in 1883 by Count Tele-
III and Lieut.. Won Hohnel, of the
Austrian navy. In this he has been sue
cessful after overcoming numerous diff
ilcuities created for him by Emperor
Menelek of Abyssinia, who refused to
permit the explorer to pass through his
country.
In September, 1894, he was heard
from while at point on the Webb
Shebeli, in latitude Z degrees II min
utes north and longitude AZ degrees II
minutes and 20 seconds east. He then
had Ito camels "in the pink of condi-
ton" and intended to cross the River
Erer westward. He mapped much Of
the country along the Erer and the
courses Of the Sillul, Dacheto, Lunmo
and Turfa, correcting many errors of
existing maps. Game was abundant,
and large collections were made illus
trating the animal and vegetable life
OF the country. Fossil shells and coral
were found in the hills.
With the help of the peaceable Arusa
Gallas--who thought him being Of
supernatural origin because he could
cross their rivers when swollen by
heavy rains--he visited Sheik Husein,
a holy place of the Mohammedans, in
lofty region with delightful climate
and fertile soil. At points over 5000
feet above the sea level the air was
moist and cool. The hostility of the
Abyssinians detained him for long
time at Sheik Husein. The doctor was
to find here number of |
stone buildings, including two mosques
and five shining white tombs OF saints. |
While trying to eyade the Abyssinians
he discovered remarkable subterra-
mean stream, where tributary Of the
Jub had carved it's way for a mile
through the hill.
Eventually DR.. Smith evaded the
Abyssinian outposts by long detour,
the Webb Shebeli to the south.
He reached the country Of the Borani,
sast of Lake Stefanie, whom the en-
,eror has not been able to conquer.
from Lake Stefanie he crossed to the
1orthern end of Lake Rudolf, where the
Vianamm river enters. His return to
he coast was through new country
forth of Kenia, on the Tana river, by
which he eventually reached Lamu, and
hence Alden. OF DR.. Smiths achieve
nent the London Times says: There
s no doubt that he has done an excel
ent piece of work, which should help
o FIJI up more than one blank on the
nap of Northeast Africa. Already, in
Iced. the British museum has benefited
argely by the collections DR.. Smith has
emit from the Webb Shebeli, and in his
Quincy to the lakes and thence to the
ANA he has doubtless amassed other
objections with which to enrich the
atural sciences" The details of his
ourney will be awaited with much in
crest by geographers.- Sun.