will exist as to the most fitting means to be adopted for the establishment of peace and tranquillity in Africa. It is expedient, therefore, to state the leading principles on which this Society is formed, and the measures intended to be pursued. It is the unanimous opinion of this Society, that the only complete cure of all these evils is the introduction of Christianity into Africa. They do not believe that any less powerful remedy will entirely extinguish the present inducements to trade in human beings, or will afford to the inhabitants of those extensive regions a sure foundation for repose and happiness. But they are aware that a great variety of views may exist as to the manner in which religious instruction should be introduced. Distinctly avowing, therefore, that the substitution of our pure and holy faith, for the false religion, idolatry, and superstitions of Africa, is, in their firm conviction, the true ultimate remedy for the calamities that afflict her, they are most anxious to adopt every measure which may eventually lead to the establishment of Christianity throughout that continent; and, hoping to secure the cordial co-operation of all, they proceed to declare that the grand object of their association is the extinction of the Slave Trade. The primary object of this Society will be constantly kept in view under all circumstances of difficulty or discouragement, as the grand end to which their efforts, of whatever character, should be resolutely and unchangeably directed. As one of the principal means, they have cordially co-operated with Mr. Buxton in inducing Her Majesty's Government to undertake an Expedition to the River Niger, with the view of obtaining the most accurate information as to the state of the countries bordering on its mighty waters. The immense importance of this object alone, as opening a highway into the interior of Africa, and bringing the efforts of British philanthropy into immediate contact with the numerous and populous nations it contains, will be at once perceived and acknowledged. It will be one of the first duties, then, of this Society to watch over the proceedings of this Expedition, to record its progress, and to digest and circulate the valuable information which it may be confidently expected to communicate. lent purposes, can bear no part whatever in them: still, in order that a comprehensive view may be taken of the whole, though each part must be accomplished by agencies entirely distinct, it may be expedient to state some of the expectations which are entertained. One most important department must entirely rest with Her Majesty's Government, the formation of treaties with the native rulers of Africa for the suppression of the Slave Trade. Such treaties, however, will not be carried into execution, unless those wants, which have hitherto been supplied from the profits arising from the sale of the natives, should be satisfied through the means of legitimate commerce. It may appear expedient to the Government to obtain from the chiefs the possession of some convenient districts, which may be best adapted to carrying on trade with safety and success; and when this is effected, another and wholly distinct Society may perhaps be formed, for the purpose of aiding in the cultivation of those districts, and of promoting the growth of those valuable products for which the soil of those countries is peculiarly fitted. The present Society can take part in no plan of colonization or of trade. Its ob jects are, and must be, exclusively pacific and benevolent; but it may, by encou ragement and by the diffusion of information, most materially aid in the civilization of Africa, and so pave the way for the successful exertions of others, whether they be directed to colonization and the cultivation of the soil, or to commercial intercourse, or to that which is immeasurably superior to them all, the establishment of the Christian faith on the continent of Africa. At home, this Society will direct its vigilant attention to all which may arise with respect to the traffic in slaves, and give publicity to whatever may be deemed most essential to produce its suppression. In Africa there are various means whereby it may effectually work to the same end. One of the great impediments at present existing to the advancement of knowledge is the state of the native languages of Western and Central Africa. Amongst the many nations which inhabit those regions, there are certainly many different dialects, and not improbably several leading languages. A few only of those languages have yet been reduced into When this leading step has been taken, writing, and consequently the difficulty of it is anticipated that a large field for exer- holding intercourse with the natives, and tions of a different description will then imparting knowledge to them, is greatly be opened; but desirable as such exertions increased. By the adoption of effectual may be, it must be clearly understood that measures for reducing the principal lanthis Society, associated solely for benevo-guages of Western and Central Africa into writing, a great obstacle to the diffusion of information will be removed, and facility afforded for the introduction of the truths of Christianity. There is another subject, of no light importance, which would legitimately fall within the views of this Institution. In Africa, medical science can scarcely be said to exist, yet in no part of the world is it more profoundly respected. As at present understood by the natives, it is intimately connected with the most inveterate and barbarous superstitions; and its artful practitioners, owing their superiority to this popular ignorance, may be expected to interpose the most powerful obstacles to the diffusion of Christianity and of science. facture of paper, and the use of the printing press, if once established in Africa, will be amongst the most powerful auxiliaries in the dispersion of ignorance, and the destruction of barbarism. It is hoped that enough has now been stated to justify the Society in calling for the aid and co-operation of all who hold in just abhorrence the iniquitous traffic in human beings-of all who deeply deplore the awful crimes which have so long afflicted, and still continue to devastate, Africa-of all who remember with deep sorrow and contrition that share which Great Britain so long continued to have, in producing those scenes of bloodshed and of guilt. A variety of collateral means has thus been suggested sufficiently important and interesting to demonstrate the necessity of a distinct Society, and to entitle it to the best wishes and firmest support of every sincere friend of Africa. To encourage, therefore, the introduction of more enlightened views on this subject, to prevent or mitigate the prevalence of disease and suffering among the people of Africa, and to secure the aid of medical science generally to the beneficent objects To its success, cordial and united coof African civilization, must be considered operation is indispensable. It proposes to of immense importance; nor would its act by means in which the whole combenefits be confined to the native popula-munity, without regard to religious or potion. It is equally applicable to the in-litical opinions, may concur; and, though vestigation of the climate and localities of it does not embrace the establishment, by that country. To render Africa a salu- its own agency, of schools for the spread of brious residence for European constitutions religious instruction, it abstains from such may be a hopeless task; but to diminish an undertaking, not because it does not the danger, to point out the means whereby value the introduction of Christian knowpersons proceeding thither may most effec- ledge as the greatest blessing which can tually guard against its perils, may perhaps be bestowed on that idolatrous land, but be effected; nor must it be forgotten, that because a diversity of opinion as to the in however humble a degree this advantage mode of proceeding, must of necessity can be attained, its value cannot be too interfere with the unity of action, so highly appreciated. essential for the common prosecution of such an important object, and thus impede instead of facilitate the objects of this Institution. Various other measures may come within the legitimate scope of this Institution. It may be sufficient to recapitulate a few; the encouragement of practical science in all its various branches, the system of drainage best calculated to succeed in a climate so humid and so hot,would be an invaluable boon to all who frequent that great continent, whatever might be their purpose. Though this Society would not embark in agriculture, it might afford essential assistance to the natives, by furnishing them with useful information as to the best mode of cultivation, as to the productions which command a steady market, and by introducing the most approved agricultural implements and seeds. The time may come when the knowledge and practice of the mighty powers of steam might contribute rapidly to promote the improvement and prosperity of that country. Even matters of comparatively less moment may engage the attention of the Society. It may assist in promoting the formation of roads and canals. The manu It is impossible, however, to close this address, without again expressing, in the most emphatic terms, the conviction and earnest hope of all who have already attached themselves as members of this Institution, that the measures to be adopted by them for the suppression of the traffic in slaves-for securing the peace and tranquillity of Africa-for the encouragement of agriculture and commerce-will facilitate the propagation and triumph of that faith, which one and all feel to be indispensable for the happiness of the inhabitants of that continent. Howsoever the extension of the Christian religion may be attempted, it is far more likely to take root and flourish where peace prevails, and crime is diminished, than where murder and bloodshed, and the violation of every righteous principle, continue to pollute the land. 15, Parliament-street, NIGER EXPEDITION. BEFORE the first month of the opening year shall have passed away, the Expedition destined, we trust, to be the harbinger of peace and civilization to Africa, will have left the shores of this country; accompanied by the good wishes and prayers for success of all Christians throughout our land; and as it will form one of the leading objects of this paper to report its progress, and to circulate the information which it may confidently be expected to communicate, it may not be uninteresting to lay before our readers some details respecting its outfit and movements up to the present time. In accordance with the recommendation of Sir Edward Parry, contained in his report on this subject appended to Lord John Russell's letter to the Treasury, the Expedition will consist of three iron steamers, strongly built, and of light draught of water, fitted for river navigation. Three such vessels have been built by Messrs. Laird of Liverpool, and fitted with every improvement which their well-known experience could suggest. At their launch in September last the steamers received respectively the names of ALBERT, in honour of our Royal President; WILBERFORCE, in memory of that venerated name; SOUDAN, (or more correctly Habib-esSudan,) or Friend of the Blacks. The dimensions of the vessels, the two larger of which are exactly of the same size, rig, and power, with all their stores precisely alike, are as follows: ALBERT & WILBERFORCE. Length on deck Depth of hold . 136 ft. 27 ft. 5 ft. 9 in. 440 tons SOUDAN. ing intelligence or invalids, and espevessels in difficult or unknown navigacially for sounding a-head of the other tion. The vessels are thoroughly equipped with every necessary, nay, every comfort that prudence or foresight could dictate. The supply of provisions of all kinds is most ample, including preserved meats, chiefly prepared by Goldner, and sufficient for the consumption of the crews for four months. For the purpose of enabling the medical officers of the Expedition to render their services useful to the natives, an extra quantity of medicines has been furnished to each of the ships; and from the great respect, if not veneration, in which the healing art is held throughout Africa, it may be inferred that a judicious and liberal exercise of it will contribute much to the objects of the Expedition. With the view of endeavouring to supply a remedy for the want of a free circulation of fresh air between decks in a tropical climate, and for the miasma that usually prevails in alluvial soils on those coasts, a system of ventilating tubes has been fitted, under the able superintendence of Dr. Reid. With this is connected a chamber, containing woollen cloths, lime, &c., through which it is intended, whenever the presence of malaria is suspected, the air shall pass previously to being circulated below by the ventilating apparatus. A more detailed account of Dr. Reid's plan will be given in a future number of this paper; but in the mean time it may be remarked, that it seems to be quite possible, that, by a careful observation of 8 6in. the effects of a 'malaria' atmosphere on the substances in the chamber, a clue may be given to the nature of this hitherto unknown, but formidable, foe to European life in tropical climates-a result which would deserve to be ranked among those discoveries, by which science may be truly said to have benefited mankind. These observations will be conducted by Dr. M'William, the senior medical officer, who fully enters into Dr. Reid's views, and is well qualified to render these experiments subservient to the advancement of knowledge. 110 ft. 22 ft. 4 ft. 250 tons. 6 ft. deep. Each of the larger vessels has two engines of 35-horse power each, and can carry coals for 15 days (of 12 hours). The smaller has one engine of 35-horse power, and can carry coal for 10 days. All the engines were constructed by Mr. Forrester, of Liverpool. The vessels have as roomy and airy accommodation as their size would permit. The Soudan is intended for detached service, when required, up smaller rivers; for convey The command of the whole Expedi- | Lander in his last voyage, and to whom tion is entrusted to Captain Trotter, of we are indebted for the chart of the the Royal Navy, already well known by Quorra, and Captain Bird Allen, R.N., his services in putting down slavery who has long been employed on the while in command of the Curlew, on survey in the West Indies, and is well the coast of Africa. The two other acquainted with the African character. officers in command are Captain Wil- The following table shows at one view liam Allen, R.N., the companion of the officers of the respective ships :— The Rev. T. O. Müller will, we believe, be chaplain to the Expedition. The crews of the three vessels consist besides, of 22 marines, and 88 seamen and stokers; of these 88, not less than 20, or nearly one-fourth, already entered, are Africans by birth. On their arrival at Sierra Leone, the ships will take on board about 120 Kroomen, who will do all the work that requires exposure, as wooding, watering, &c. The commanders of the ships, and Captain Cook, (well known for his skill and humanity in rescuing the crew of the Kent East Indiaman when on fire in the Bay of Biscay,) will be Her Majesty's four Commissioners for making treaties with the native Chiefs for the abolition of the Slave Trade. So far, the Government has thoroughly provided for all the wants of the Expedition; and a deep debt of gratitude is due to Her Majesty's advisers on this account from all well wishers to the cause of Africa. But the committee of the African Civilization Society, deeply impressed with the necessity of embracing the opportunity afforded by the Niger Expedition, of carrying out its pacific and benevolent views as stated in its pro spectus, and of investigating the resources and capabilities of this part of Africa: desirous also of effectually co-operating with the Government in rendering the Expedition as complete in a scientific point of view as lay in their power; have spared no pains or expense in selecting and engaging individuals in every department of natural history to accompany it. As a botanist, they have had the good fortune to secure the services of Dr. Vogel, acting director of the Botanic Garden at Bonn, (and highly recommended by Baron Alexander von Humboldt,) an individual who, to a practical knowledge of horticulture, unites the acquirements of a scientific botanist. As a mineralogist, they have engaged Mr. Roscher, a practical miner, educated at the Academy of Mines at Freiberg, (the school which produced Humboldt, Buch, Werner, &c.,) who will furnish a report upon the geological structure, as well as on the minerals and metals of that portion of Africa, As naturalist, they have embraced the offer of Mr. Fraser, Curator to the Zoological Society of London, who will investigate this department of natural history in a country where no naturalist has preceded him. The committee has also engaged the services of a practical gardener and seedsman, who, under the kind superintendence of Dr. Lindley, has made a selection of the most useful seeds and plants to introduce into Africa, and will explain their uses to the natives, and show them how to cultivate them. And, lastly, they have engaged a draughtsman, whose aid will be required in all those departments of natural history, where the objects are too large or too delicate to be preserved; and who will otherwise furnish us with sketches of tropical scenery, and with the peculiar characteristic features of the various African tribes which may be met with. St. Vincent, one of the Cape de Verde Islands, for coal, at Sierra Leone for Kroomen and Interpreters, and at Cape Coast Castle, will probably arrive off the mouth of the Niger about the 10th of March. The vessels will here fill up their coals from a store-ship already sent out for that purpose; and having placed their heavy stores, &c., in canoes, and otherwise lightened the vessels for river navigation, they will proceed up the Quorra either by the Formoso or Nún branch, whichever may be reported of most favourably; and steaming ra pidly through the Delta, make their first halt at the town of Ibú, on the left or western shore of the Nún, about 120 miles from the entrance. Here they will commence their operations with a view to the execution of the principal object of the mission, namely, to make treaties with the African chiefs to put down entirely the traffic in slaves, and to substitute instead of it a friendly commercial intercourse with this country. Ibú, or Eboe, we know from Lander and Laird, is a place of some import ance; and King Obi, at the time of their visit, was respected or feared even to the extreme point of the Delta. Among Captain W. Allen's Views on the Niger, is a very characteristic sketch of the procession of canoes, densely crowded with Africans, in This completes the personnel of the Expedition, which, as far as the Society is concerned, has been effected at an expense considerably exceeding 1,000l. Another very essential object with the committee has been the preparing vocabularies, as far as could be done in this country, of the chief languages of Western Central Africa. At first the task seemed hopeless; but by perseverance and diligent research, a very tolerable vocabulary has been formed of the six languages with which the Expedition will come into immediate contact, and a shorter list of some others. These are printed in the most convenient form for reference; together with a series of the most useful questions. In this work the committee have to ex-vested with all their "barbaric pomp," press their thanks, for valuable assistance, to M. D'Avezac, at Paris; to the Ashanti princes now in this country in charge of the Rev. T. Pyne; to Mr. de Graft, a native Fanti, through the kindness of the Rev. J. Beecham; and to Dr. M'William, who has drawn up a series of the most useful medical inquiries, which have been sent to Sierra Leone and Cape Coast for translation. The Soudan was to sail from Liverpool on the 28th of December, the other vessels will shortly follow, and they may be expected to arrive at Woolwich in the course of the next week, when they will take on board the remainder of their stores. The Ashanti princes, who return by this opportunity to their native country, will also there embark. The Expedition will finally leave England about the 30th of January, and calling at conducting him and his fellow-travellers up to the capital, to hold a "palaver' with King Obi; the broad stream overhung by the most luxuriant tropical vegetation, the numerous boats, with their gay flags, and the good-humoured natives shouting or singing as they rapidly paddled their canoes, formed a striking and picturesque scene. After as short a delay as possible at Ibú, the Expedition will proceed up the river; and 40 miles beyond, reach the first hills at the apex of the Delta, about 160 miles from the sea, a distance easily accomplished with even moderate steamers in from three to four days. Here the monotony of an alluvial soil, and all the malaria of the Delta, are left behind, and the traveller looks cheerfully forward to the remarkably formed range of the Kong Mountains, |