Geographical Journal (Journal of the Royal Geographical Society): Volume VIII, No. 5 [‎37v] (77/154)

480
SOME BOOKS ON EAST AND SOUTH AFRICA.
new information was collected regarding the tribes met with, especially
the Eendile, a race of doubtful affinity, but probably allied to the Gallas
and Somalis, who own large herds of camels. The failure to obtain
transport animals from them was largely responsible for the curtailment
of the route.
On several occasions fights occurred, and in this respect the expedi
tion compares unfavourably with Dr. Gregory’s, which succeeded in
maintaining friendly relations with the natives in spite of its small
numbers. Mr. Chanler holds that the first intercourse of Europeans
with new tribes is bound to involve bloodshed, and was, perhaps, not so
determined to avoid it as some travellers have been without ill result.
The difficulties encountered were, however, undoubtedly great. He
apparently lacks the sympathetic feeling towards the Zanzibaris which
Dr. Gregory displays in spite of a consciousness of their many faults,
and this may partly account for, without excusing, the desertion of his
men after von Hohnel’s departure for the coast, dangerously wounded
by a rhinoceros. These animals seem to have been particularly plentiful
and troublesome. The numerous and characteristic cuts are from photo
graphs by the author, and, being evidently faithful copies, are a welcome
change from the process-reproductions now almost universal in books of
travel.
Before proceeding to books on South Africa, wo may notice that the
second volume of Dr. Paulitschke’s ‘ Ethnographie Nordost Afrikas has
now been published. It deals in a thorough and comprehensive way
with the moral culture of the Danakil, Galla, and Somal tribes, the first
volume (noticed in the Journal, vol. iii. p. 503) having been concerned
with their “ material culture.”
There is, perhaps, no part of the continent about which so many
misconceptions prevail as German South-West Africa, the numerous works
already published with reference to it having often been too scientific
for popular comprehension. Tire connected account of the colony j
which Lieut. H. von Francois—not to be confounded with his brother,
Major C. von Francois—has prepared in a form suitable for general use,
is therefore likely to prove serviceable in giving a clear conception of
the present state and capabilities of the country. As the writer The lowest of the four classes into which East India Company civil servants were divided. A Writer’s duties originally consisted mostly of copying documents and book-keeping. has
served there for a considerable time, he has had good opportunities of
becoming well acquainted with it personally. The book begins with a
general description of the physical geography, plant and animal life,
etc., followed by a sketch of the native inhabitants. Having thus
given an idea of the material to be worked upon in the development of *
* The Zanzibaris, Mr. Chanler thinks, are perfectly satisfied with their present
eondition of serfdom, and he doubts whether they would be benefited by a change.
t ‘Nama und Damara, Deutsch-Siid-West-Afrika.’ Yon II. von Francois. Magde
burg : Baensch. [1896.]