much enlarged by the remarkable coincidence
of these gallant efforts, with the application of the navigating
powers of steam. There might have been generations of Landers, with
lives devoted to the cause, the sole reward of which would have been
the discovery of a river's source and termination, but now there was
combined with that end, the cheering hope of extending civilization,
of strangling the hydra, slavery, in its cradle, and of diffusing
comfort and happiness over a wide quarter of the globe. Assuredly it
is a glorious thing to be signally and prosperously engaged in laying
the foundation for a consummation so devoutly to be wished.

Lander had not made great progress in the interior, before he found
that he was deficient in some particular kinds of goods, which were
required for the markets in the interior, and he, therefore,
descended the river in a canoe, and embarked on board the Curlew ship
of war, to convey him to Cape Coast Castle, where he expected to meet
with the articles which he required. Having succeeded in effecting
his purchases, he returned to the mouth of the Nun, thence to
_reascend the Niger for the third time_, and endeavour to penetrate
as far up the river as Boussa.

It is, however, highly interesting to know, that previously to his
last return to the Coast, Lander and Lieutenant Alien, had
fortunately reached Rabba, a large Fellata town, in the iron steam
boat, and for the period of thirteen or fourteen days had maintained
a friendly intercourse, and carried on an advantageous trade with its
inhabitants. The depth of the water at that place was between two and
three fathoms, and as far as could be seen beyond it, the Niger was
free from rocks and other obstructions, and assumed a majestic and
very encouraging appearance. For the reason already mentioned, Lander
was obliged to return to the coast, though it was supposed that he
hastily quitted Rabba on account of some unfavourable rumours which
had reached him, to the effect that the people wished to inveigle our
countrymen on shore, in order to seize their persons and destroy
their boat. This is, however, an improbable supposition, for as far
as could be ascertained, the general bearing of the inhabitants
towards the English was any thing but hostile. This important town
was inhabited by Fellatas and negroes, and fully realized the
expectations that had been formed of it, as regards its extent, its
wealth, and its population. A few Tuar