PREFACE.

As the Kilima-njaro Expedition was initiated and supported by two of the most important among our British Scientific Societies, it may perhaps seem excusable that I, who was its appointed leader, should venture to lay the general results of this enterprise before the public.

I do so only in the sincere desire to contribute, however feebly, to the mounting sum of our knowledge of Africa—that continent, which I look upon as the New World of the nineteenth century.

I cannot conclude these few prefatory lines without most heartily thanking every friend or chance acquaintance who by word or deed facilitated my task. It is pleasant to look back upon this expedition as having been provocative of nothing but kindness.

While the names of certain of my benefactors are mentioned elsewhere in the pages of this work in juxtaposition with their good deeds, I think this the most fitting place in which to record my special sense of obligation to Philip Lutley Sclater, Esq., Ph. D., Sec. Zoological Society; Edward L. Lawson, Esq.; Edwin Arnold, Esq., C.S.I.; Carmichael Thomas, Esq.; viiiand, with all his faults, Mandara, Chief of Moši; who, though he once threatened to cut off my head, nevertheless in his brighter moods supplied me with much valuable information.

H. H. JOHNSTON.

London, November, 1885.

ix