The Journal of a Mission to the Interior of Africa, in the Year 1805 by Park, Mungo, 1771-1806, Whishaw, John

CHAPTER V.

Departure from Koolihori--Ganifarra--Scarcity of provisions--Distressing situation of the Author from deaths and sickness of the party--Escapes from three lions--Intricate route to Koomikoomi--Dombila--Visit from Karfa Taura--View of the Niger--Reduced state of the party--Bambakoo-- Losses from wolves--Bosradoo; embark on the Niger; incidents in the voyage to Marraboo--Isaaco sent to Sego with presents for Mansong-- Message from Mansong--Course to Koolikorro--Deena--Yamina--Samee-- Return of Isaaco; account of his interview with Mansong--Messengers sent by Mansong, and enquiries respecting the Author's journey--Quit Samee--Excessive heat--Reach Sansanding--Account of that city and its trade--Death of Mr. Anderson--Preparations for continuing the voyage eastward--Information collected respecting various districts.

ISAACO'S JOURNAL

ACCOUNT

OF THE

LIFE OF MUNGO PARK.

Mungo Park was born on the 10th of September 1771, at Fowlshiels, a farm occupied by his father, under the duke of Buccleugh, on the banks of the Yarrow not far from the town of Selkirk. His father, who bore the same name, was a respectable yeoman of Ettrick Forest. His mother, who is still living, is the daughter of the late Mr. John Hislop, of Tennis, a few miles higher up on the same river. The subject of this Memoir was the seventh child, and third son of the family, which consisted of thirteen children, eight of whom attained to years of maturity.

Prior to the time of Mungo Park's birth, the father had for many years practised farming with assiduity and success on the estate at Fowlshiels, where he died in 1792, after a long and exemplary life, at the age of seventy-seven.

Among other estimable qualities which distinguished the father's character, was a constant and unremitting attention to the education of his children; a species of merit, which is indeed of common occurrence among the Scottish farmers and peasantry, but which appears to have been exemplary and remarkable in the present instance. His family being numerous, he did not content himself with personally superintending every part of their education; but, though far from being in affluent circumstances, engaged a private teacher to reside in his house and assist in their early instruction.

It is most satisfactory to add, that these paternal cares were followed by the happiest results, and received their appropriate reward. Mr. Park had the gratification of seeing the greater part of his children respectably settled during his life, and of witnessing their success and prosperity.

After having received the first rudiments of education in his father's family, Mungo Park was in due time removed to the Grammar School at Selkirk, where he remained a considerable number of years. He had shewn a great love of reading from his childhood, and was indefatigable in his application at school, where he was much distinguished and always at the head of his class. Even at that early age, he was remarked for being silent, studious and thoughtful: but some sparks of latent ambition occasionally broke forth: and indications might even then be discovered of that ardent and adventurous turn of mind, which distinguished him in after life, and which often lies concealed under a cold and reserved exterior.