GENERAL NOTES.
AFRICA.
—M. Matheis has been sent out by the French Government to explore the region extending from the bend of the Niger to Lake Tchad.
—The question of the establishment of a small railroad on the Decanville plan, between Ogooué and Alima, is being considered.
—M. J. Thomson left London the 6th of May to go to Zanzibar, from whence he will proceed to make the geological exploration of the Rovouma for the Sultan of Zanzibar.
—Messrs. Demietri and Michieli, agents of the Italian Society of Commerce in Africa, have set out from Khartoum for the Red Sea at the head of a caravan of 700 camels, laden with various kinds of merchandise.
—The Commercial Association of Lisbon has moved a patriotic subscription, the proceeds of which will be offered to the Government to co-operate with it in the foundation of civilizing stations in the Portuguese African colonies.
—An Italian party consisting of an officer and 14 men, while attempting to penetrate Abyssinia from Assab Bay, have been massacred in the interior. It is possible that the Italian Government may send a military expedition to demand redress.