On the 11th of April, he was shaved, and rallied a little, but soon became worse, and died on the 13th. By order of Bello he was buried in an open place about five miles from the city of Soccatoo, and Lander read over him the service of the church of England for the “burial of the dead,” as Clapperton had himself formerly done for Dr. Oudney and some other of his companions. Next day Lander returned to the spot, and with the assistance of some of the natives a shed was erected over the grave. * * * * * MEMOIR OF MAJOR ALEXANDER LAING, THE AFRICAN TRAVELLER. * * * * * MEMOIR OF MAJOR ALEX. GORDON LAING, THE AFRICAN TRAVELLER. * * * * * Major Alexander Gordon Laing, another of those adventurous spirits who met with their common fate, in the attempt to explore the interior of Africa, was born at Edinburgh on the 27th December 1794, and was the eldest son of Mr. William Laing, A.M., one of the most popular classical teachers of his day. In his academy, in the New Town of Edinburgh, young Laing received nearly the whole of his education, at least all that was necessary to prepare him for the university. Possessing a quick intuitive perception, and an ardent thirst for classical knowledge, his progress was in proportion; and at the early age of thirteen, he entered the university of Edinburgh. Here his attainments became still more marked, and Professor Christison, who then occupied the humanity chair, observing his literary taste, used to point him out in the public class as worthy the imitation of his fellow-students, though few might hope to surpass him. When about fifteen, Laing went to Newcastle, where for six months he filled the situation of assistant to Mr. Bruce, a teacher in that city; he then returned to Edinburgh, and entered upon a similar duty under his father, a situation for which he was singularly qualified.