To those who are acquainted with the fact, that there is not a single Protestant missionary in the Nile Basin proper, from the Albert Lake to the Lybian Desert, the subject of this article will be of profound interest. Is Ethiopia stretching out her hands to God, or will she do so soon? For a reply to these questions, the eye turns, just now, to this Association and the progress of the proposed Arthington Mission. We have considered Mr. Arthington’s proffered aid, and have sounded the call for men and means. Expectations have been raised, money has been contributed, and the service of experienced missionaries tendered. There have been so many disasters in connection with Central African Missions, so much delay has been caused by unexpected obstacles, and such sacrifices of health and life have been experienced, that we have felt constrained to proceed with the greatest caution. The courage and faith of God’s people may be sustained for a time by displays of enterprise, daring, and readiness to give one’s life for a good cause. Indeed, such exhibitions are essential; but a time comes when nothing will satisfy but solid success. Our earnest prayer from the beginning has been, that we might be led to enter upon work in the Nile Basin, if at all, in a manner that would give promise of great and permanent usefulness. We have, therefore, endeavored during the past year to gather information from every available source, and, especially, from persons who have been engaged in the service of the Egyptian Government. In this, we have been fortunate. Col. C. C. Long, of New York, who visited Mtesa’s kingdom on the Nile, has kindly responded to our calls upon him, whenever questions of interest about which he was informed, have arisen. More than a year ago, we submitted to him in writing a list of thirty-nine questions for the purpose of obtaining information on every matter of interest in connection with the Mission. To these questions, he responded fully in writing. Last autumn, Col. H. G. Prout, who had served for two years and a half on Gordon Pasha’s staff in ancient Ethiopia, established himself in New York. At our request, he gave us several interviews of great interest and profit. During his stay in Central Africa, he had carefully surveyed the route from Souakim to Berber, of which we have a full report. He had also surveyed the countries of Kordofan and Darfur, after which, with a view to the acceptance of the governorship of the Upper Nile Basin, he proceeded to Mrooli, by way of the White Nile and the Albert Lake, traversing the country we propose to occupy. He kindly reviewed with us the responses given by Colonel Long, and added valuable information.