This was costly information, for which an enormous price was paid; for many human lives were the forfeit. The enervating character and unhealthfulness of the climate of the region explored proved most disastrous to the members of the expedition. Many subsequent expeditions ended with similar results.
About the middle of the present century Dr. Barth followed the river from Timbuctoo to Say.
Much of what is now known to the world with regard to the Niger is due to the explorations he made.
He has estimated the entire length of the river to be upwards of twenty-five hundred miles.
CHAPTER IX.
THE ZAMBESI, THE RIVER OF SOUTHEAST AFRICA.
The extensive region in Southeast Africa was described in the geographies of the middle ages under the name of the empire of Monomotapa. It is shown upon the old time maps as being dependent upon the river Zambese, or Zambere, for drainage.
The course of this river is, in the main, correctly designated upon these maps, and several large towns are shown as having a location upon its banks. A small lake is also indicated, not far from the actual position of Lake N'gami, whose real existence was not proved until within comparatively a few years.
This lake is now considered one of the most southern of inland waters which have any communication with the modern Zambesi River and the more eastern lakes.