Description

Kirk writes that Hooker should have received the boxes of natural history specimens sent via the ship Ariel under Captain Oldfield. He notes from the news that the ship Liden has returned and so presumes Hooker has previous cases he has sent. He writes about their voyage from the mouth of the Zambezi to Johanna. He writes that Dr. Livingstone decided to leave the Zambezi when it became clear the Pioneer would not be easily navigated up river, and mentions that they plan to explore the Rovuma in boats before returning to the Zambezi. He expects Dr. Mellor to be aboard the H. M. S. Gorgon, although he has had no news, he is travelling to Madagascar then on to Mauritius. Kirk describes the geology and flora of Johannas. He thinks a month would be well spent exploring the forests at 2000 feet, but writes that he has only examined the sugar plantations of Mr. Lundy, and found 32 types of fern on the mountains of Maramballa and Zomba. He mentions date palms, Broassus and Cycas, and writes about Johanna’s soil and its suitability for growing sugar cane. Kirk writes that English has become generally understood since war vessels have been stationed there. The adjacent islands of Mayotte and Mokilla[?] are French speaking. He remarks that the largest of the Comoro’s islands is independently run. He continues to write about the Comoros Islands, and his continued expeditions with Livingstone. Pages 5 and 8 of 12.

Description

Kirk writes that Hooker should have received the boxes of natural history specimens sent via the ship Ariel under Captain Oldfield. He notes from the news that the ship Liden has returned and so presumes Hooker has previous cases he has sent. He writes about their voyage from the mouth of the Zambezi to Johanna. He writes that Dr. Livingstone decided to leave the Zambezi when it became clear the Pioneer would not be easily navigated up river, and mentions that they plan to explore the Rovuma in boats before returning to the Zambezi. He expects Dr. Mellor to be aboard the H. M. S. Gorgon, although he has had no news, he is travelling to Madagascar then on to Mauritius. Kirk describes the geology and flora of Johannas. He thinks a month would be well spent exploring the forests at 2000 feet, but writes that he has only examined the sugar plantations of Mr. Lundy, and found 32 types of fern on the mountains of Maramballa and Zomba. He mentions date palms, Broassus and Cycas, and writes about Johanna’s soil and its suitability for growing sugar cane. Kirk writes that English has become generally understood since war vessels have been stationed there. The adjacent islands of Mayotte and Mokilla[?] are French speaking. He remarks that the largest of the Comoro’s islands is independently run. He continues to write about the Comoros Islands, and his continued expeditions with Livingstone. Pages 5 and 8 of 12.