The Great Rift Valley¹

Abstract

IT is but rarely that a narrative of travel, however interesting it may be, and however exciting the adventures of the author may have proved, has as much attraction for naturalists and geologists as the present volume possesses. Dr. Gregory has shown himself a thoroughly competent explorer, for he succeeded in reaching the glaciers close to the summit of Mount Kenya, the highest peak of British East Africa, a task in which several previous travellers had failed; and he also examined a considerable length of the extraordinary tract that gives its name to the book before us. This, too, was accomplished with a much smaller caravan than was regarded by experienced men as necessary for safety;. in face of difficulties, due to the proclivities of the natives and to scarcity of food, that would have daunted many men; in spite of the utter failure of the expedition to which the author was originally attached; and, above all, despite severe attacks of malarial fever and dysentery. “The Great Rift Valley,” apart from its scientific interest, gives a very interesting account of an adventurous exploit, carried out with courage and firmness, and, at the same time, with kindly treatment of the natives employed and encountered.