Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1896-04-10
AN AMERICAN EXPLORER.
The First Man to Reach Lake Rudolf,
Africa, from the North.

Africa, from the North.
Recently II telegram was received
from Alden from DR.. Donaldson Smith,
an American well known in Baltimore
and Philadelphia, announcing the sue
cess of the expedition for the explora-
tion of the region about Lake Rudolf,
East Africa, upon which he entered
some is months ago. Dr. Smith en-
joys the distinction-the result Of his
recent endeayor-of being the first
white man to reach Lake Rudolf from
the north. While on sporting trip to
Somaliland 1t occurred to him that he
might do some successful exploring
work further in tho interior, where
there are still vast areas practically
unknown to the geographer. In May,
1894, he started on his trip, aiming to
traverse Somaliland, the Gala coun-
try, and the unknown belt of country
that lies to the north and northeast of
the two lakes discovered in 1888 by
Count Teleli and Lieut.. Won Hohnel,
of the Austrian navy. In this he has
been successful after overcoming nu-
merous difficulties 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 a point en- the Webb
Shebeli, In latitude degrees II min.
utes north and longitude AZ degrees II
minutes and 33 seconds east. He then
had 10 camels Sin the pink of condi-
tion," and intended to cross the river
Erer westward. He mappedmuch of the
country along the Erer and the courses
of the Sillul, Dacheto, Lummo and
Turfa, correcting many errors of ex-
listing 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,
Il holy place of the Mohammedans, in a
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
! MI In en- l>ar -
stone buildings, including twomosques
and five shining white tombs OF
saints. While trying to evade the
Abyssinians he discovered remarka-
BILE subterranean stream, where q
tributary of the Jub had carved its way
for mile through the hill.
Eventually DR.. Smith evaded the
Abyssinian outposts by long detour
crossing the Webb Shebeli to the south
He reached the country of the Borani
east of Lake Stefanie, whom the emper
or has not been able to conquer. From
Lake Stefanie he crossed to the north
ern end of Lake Rudolf, where the
Nianamm river enters. His return te
the coast was through new country
north of Kenia, on the Tana river, by
which he eventually reached Lamu
and thence Alden. OF DR.. Smith!
achievements the London Times says;
"There is no doubt that he has done al
excellent piece of work which should
help to fill up more than one blank OF
4. g
indeed, the British museum has bene
flied largely by the collections DIR
Smith has sent from the Webb Shebeli
and in his journey to the lakes ant
thence to Tana he has doubtless
amassed other collections with which
to enrich the natural sciences" Th'
details of his journey will be awaited
!. with much interest by geographers.-
Baltimore Sun.