Lander, John
"Journal of an expedition to explore the course and termination of the Niger, …." by Richard and John Lander is an exploration journal and travel narrative written in the early 19th century. It chronicles the brothers’ descent of the Niger by canoe toward its mouth, blending day-by-day travel notes with observations on geography, trade, religion, and the politics of riverine towns. Expect vivid scenes of storms, wildlife, flooded settlements, market canoes, and negotiations with chiefs and Muslim clerics as they seek to trace the river to the sea.The opening of the narrative follows the Landers as they exchange canoes at Zagozhi, struggle to obtain paddles, and push off past Rabba into a broad, flood-swollen Niger where swamps block landings and a night storm brings terrifying encounters with hippopotami. They reach Dàcannie, noting Falatah (Fulani) mallams spreading Islam, then stop at Gungo, where hospitality, a language barrier, and offers of hippopotamus meat frame a calm interlude before another gale, a near brush with a crocodile, and a collision in a flooded village expose the river’s dangers. After a wary halt at Fofo—where they learn of harsh tribute practices—they pass the Coodoonia, arrive at the vast trading town of Egga, and face overwhelming curiosity, requests for charms, and a genial but childlike chief, even as their crew wavers before continuing. Departing Egga, they sight sea birds that hint at the coast, adopt night travel on warnings of robbers, find shel…
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