Journal of a Mission to the Interior of Africa, in the Year 1805 (ed John Whishaw) | Page 9

nature of its subject, but in a certain degree also to the
merits of the work as a composition; to the clearness of the descriptions,
the natural and easy flow of the narration, and the general elegance of
the style.
But the essential merit of this book, and that which has conferred a
lasting distinction on the name of its author, consists in the authentic
and important information which it contains. Considered in this point
of view, it must unquestionably be regarded as the greatest accession to
the general stock of geographical knowledge, which was ever yet made
by any single traveller. The claim of Park to this distinction will be
apparent from a short view of his principal discoveries.
Among the great variety of facts concerning the Interior of Africa not
before known, or at least not ascertained, which the labours of Park
have placed beyond all doubt, the most interesting unquestionably are,
those which relate to the existence of the great inland river, the Niger,
as a distinct and separate stream, and its course from West to East;
affording a remarkable confirmation of what had been stated
concerning this river by Herodotus and the ancient writers; but which
was afterwards controverted by the geographers of the middle ages,
who asserted (what, independently of direct evidence, seemed more
probable) that the course of the river was from East to West. This latter
opinion had accordingly been followed by the greater part of the
moderns; with the exception indeed of some of the most distinguished
geographers of later times, particularly, D'Anville and Major Rennell,
who had called in question the doctrine then prevalent, and given
strong reasons for adhering to the ancient opinion. This however at the
time of Park's journey, could be considered in no other light than as a
reasonable conjecture, till the fact was ascertained by the
unexceptionable testimony of an eye-witness. [Footnote: See Appendix,
No. II.]
Another important circumstance respecting the Niger, previously

unknown, but which was fully established by Park, is the vast
magnitude of that stream; an extraordinary fact, considering its
situation and inland course, and which has led, as will hereafter be seen,
to several interesting conjectures respecting the course and the
termination of that river.
In addition to these discoveries relative to the physical state of Africa,
others were made by Park scarcely less important; in what may be
termed its moral geography; namely, the kind and amiable dispositions
of the Negro inhabitants of the Interior, as contrasted with the
intolerance and brutal ferocity of the Moors; the existence of great and
populous cities in the heart of Africa; and the higher state of
improvement and superior civilization of the inhabitants of the interior,
on a comparison with the inhabitants of the countries adjoining to the
coast.
To this it may be added, that the work in question contains many
interesting details not before known, concerning the face of the country,
its soil and productions, as well as the condition of the inhabitants; their
principal occupations, and their manners and habits of life; and the
anecdotes which are interspersed, illustrative of the character and
disposition of the Negro inhabitants at a distance from the coast, and
beyond the influence of the Slave Trade, are in the highest degree
interesting and affecting. [Footnote: See especially the following
passages in Park's Travels, p. 82, 197, 336.]
The difficulties and dangers endured by the author in traversing this
unknown continent; and the rare union of prudence, temper and
perseverance, with the greatest ardour and enterprise, which
distinguished his conduct in the most trying situations, give an
additional value to Park's narrative. In this important, but difficult, part
of his work be appears to have been peculiarly successful. His natural
and unaffected manner of describing exertions and sufferings which
almost surpass the fictions of romance, carries a feeling and conviction
of truth to the mind of every reader, and excites deeper and more
powerful emotions than have often been produced, even by works of
imagination.
It is painful, after bestowing this well-merited praise, to be under the
necessity of adverting to two circumstances unfavourable to Park's
memory, connected with the history of this publication. These are, 1st.

an opinion which has prevailed, that Park was a supporter of the cause
of Slavery, and an enemy to the Abolition of the African Slave Trade;
and 2dly. a report, equally current, that the Travels, of which he was the
professed author, were composed not by Park himself, but in a very
considerable degree, by Mr. Bryan Edwards.--Topics, thus personal and
invidious, the writer of this Memoir would naturally wish to decline;
but they are too intimately connected with the principal occurrences of
Park's life to admit of being passed over without particular enquiry and
examination. For this purpose, it will