Narrative of an exploring voyage up the rivers Kwóra and Bínue (commonly known as the Niger and Tsádda) in 1854 / by William Balfour Baikie.

  • Baikie, William Balfour, 1825-1864.
Date:
1856
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Narrative of an exploring voyage up the rivers Kwóra and Bínue (commonly known as the Niger and Tsádda) in 1854 / by William Balfour Baikie. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    purpose of getting a set of sights; hut no sooner had we landed, and begun to arrange our instruments, than a band of natives, variously armed with muskets, spears, and swords, came upon us in a half-threaten- ing, half-alarmed manner. Mr. May and myself, laying down everything, advanced towards them, making signs of peace and friendship; but on seeing us come near them they retreated, still keeping their muskets pointed at us. At last we induced them to stand, and, with a little more persuasion, to shake hands, which ceremony being effected, both parties had a hearty laugh. They watched us adjusting the sextant and artificial horizon with much surprise, and were greatly amazed at hearing the ticking of a pocket chronometer. I collected some plants and insects; among the latter a showy Cicindela, with very sharp mandibles, and some homopterous speci- mens. Next morning Mr. May and I landed at the mouth of the creek, and were successful in getting a good set of sights. About mid-day, after church, some canoes were seen approaching, in one of which a drum was heard constantly beating. This we discovered to contain Tshukuma, with a large retinue, come in grand state to pay his regular return visit. To-day he was dressed in an engineer’s scarlet uni- form coat, a pair of duck trousers, and a purple beaver hat; he held in his hand the sword I had presented to him, and round his neck were suspended two small medals given him by Captain Trotter. He brought for us as a present, a bullock, a goat,