In closing this record of Niger exploration we cannot do better than quote the prophetic words of M‘Queen--applicable still, though later than they might have been in approaching fulfilment. He it was who first conclusively demonstrated the course and termination of the great river. His was the first warning of the certainty of the French advance; his the clear vision which foresaw the necessity of a Chartered Company. Let him, then, speak for the future, foretelling what is to come, as he foretold what is now past, in the concluding words of his Commercial Survey of the Region. “I have thus, though feebly, I confess, in comparison to the magnitude of the subject brought forward, completed the object which I had in view, namely, to call the attention of the British Government, and the power and energies of our people, to an honour of the first rank, and at the same time endeavoured to rouse the resource and enterprise of our merchants to engage in a trade of the first magnitude. By means of the Niger and its tributary streams, it is quite evident that the whole trade of Central Africa may be rendered exclusively and permanently our own.... To support and carry into execution the measures necessary to accomplish this undertaking is worthy of the ministry of Great Britain, and worthy of the first country of the world. It will confer immortal honour on our native land, lasting glory on the name and reign of George the Fourth, bring immense and permanent advantages to Britain, and bestow incalculable blessings and benefits on Africa. Agriculture, manufactures, and commerce, learning and religion, will spread rapidly and widely over a country abounding in the richest productions whether on the surface of the earth or below it, but at present a country overspread with the most abject servitude, and sunk in the deepest ignorance, superstition, and barbarity. Every obstacle will vanish before judicious and patient exertions. The glory of our Creator, the good of mankind, the prosperity of our country, the interest of the present and the welfare of future generations--glory, honour, interest call us, and united point out the sure path to gain the important end. Let but the noble Union Ensign wave over and be planted by the stream of the mighty Niger, and the deepest wounds of Africa are healed.” INDEX. Adamawa, 13. Africa, early exploration of, 2, 16. ---- English in, 24, 26, 29, 46-245, 255, 257, 265, 276, 289, 299, 308, 293-332. ---- French in, 29, 291, 302-306, 313. ---- Germans in, 317. ---- Portuguese in, 20. African Association, the, 31, 41, 45, 176, 178, 184. ---- Company, the, 28. Agades, 17. Ahmed Baba of Timbuktu, 11. Akassa, 320. Ali of Bornu, 13. ---- of Ludamar, 83, 93. Amadi Fatuma, Park’s guide, 233, 237, 238, 239, 243. Anderson, Dr. Alexander, Park’s brother-in-law, 194, 214, 217, 222, 232. Arabs, 7, 16, 272. Arab conquests, 6. ---- explorers, 16. ---- historians, 16.