There he provided himself with an officer and thirty-five soldiers, and with a large stock of asses from the islands, where the breed of these animals is excellent, and which appeared well fitted for traversing the rugged hills of the high country, whence issue the sources of the Senegal and Niger.

He took with him also two sailors and four artificers, who had been sent from England.

A month however elapsed, before all these measures could be completed, and it was then evident that the rainy season could not be far distant, a period, in which travelling is very difficult and trying to European constitutions.

It is clear, therefore, that it would have been prudent to remain at Goree or Pisania, till that season had passed; but in Mr.Park's enthusiastic state of mind, it would have been extremely painful to linger so long on the eve of his grand and favorite undertaking.

He hoped, and it seemed possible, that before the middle of June, when the rains usually began, he might reach the Niger, which could then be navigated without any serious toil or exposure.