y researches by every means in their power.

His faithful majesty Don Pedro V., having kindly sent out orders to
support my late companions until my return, relieved my mind of anxiety
on their account. But for this act of liberality, I should certainly
have been compelled to leave England in May last; and it has afforded me
the pleasure of traveling over, in imagination, every scene again,
and recalling the feelings which actuated me at the time. I have much
pleasure in acknowledging my deep obligations to the hospitality and
kindness of the Portuguese on many occasions.

I have not entered into the early labors, trials, and successes of the
missionaries who preceded me in the Bechuana country, because that has
been done by the much abler pen of my father-in-law, Rev. Robert Moffat,
of Kuruman, who has been an energetic and devoted actor in the scene for
upward of forty years. A slight sketch only is given of my own attempts,
and the chief part of the book is taken up with a detail of the efforts
made to open up a new field north of the Bechuana country to the
sympathies of Christendom. The prospects there disclosed are fairer than
I anticipated, and the capabilities of the new region lead me to hope
that by the production of the raw materials of our manufactures, African
and English interests will become more closely linked than heretofore,
that both countries will be eventually benefited, and that the cause of
freedom throughout the world will in some measure be promoted.

Dr. Hooker, of Kew, has had the kindness to name and classify for me,
as far as possible, some of the new botanical specimens which I brought
over; Dr. Andrew Smith (himself an African traveler) has aided me in
the zoology; and Captain Need has laid open for my use his portfolio
of African sketches, for all which acts of liberality my thanks are
deservedly due, as well as to my brother, who has rendered me willing
aid as an amanuensis.

Although I can not profess to be a draughtsman, I brought home with me
a few rough diagram-sketches, from one of which the view of the Falls of
the Zambesi has been prepared by a more experienced artist.

October, 1857.

Contents.

Introduction. Personal Sketch--Highland Ancestors--Family
Traditions--Grandfather removes to the Lowlands--Parents--
Early Labors and Efforts--Evening School--Love of Reading--
Religious Impressions--Medical Education--Youthful Travels--
Geology--Mental Di