is still entirely unexplored. The fact that unknown country and as yet unknown races are to be found in the Congo Basin gives it a curious fascination to many people. From my boyhood, everything connected with the mysterious continent interested me; and I determined to see something of it if ever circumstances gave me the opportunity.

The possibility of doing so arose in the following manner: — My friend, Dr. Park, of the Emin Pasha Relief Expedition, had several times asked me to go out to Africa in the service of His Majesty the King of the Belgians; and at last, after holding several resident appointments in hospitals, I decided to do so. I went down to Netley on the 26th of October 1891, and, after an hour's conversation with Park, left for Brussels the same night. On the following day I accepted a commission as