The publication of Sir William Garstin’s monumental work on the “Basin of the Upper Nile” is an event of such importance in the history of the Nile that the occasion should not be lost of bringing Lombardini’s work on the Nile to date. The information utilised by me in this book as far as the Upper Nile is concerned is obtained from Sir William’s Report; for the Blue Nile and Atbara I am indebted to M. Dupuis’ interesting appendix at the end of Sir William’s Report; and for the river north of Khartum to my own studies and surveys. As Sir William employed Capt. H.G. Lyons, R.E. to collaborate with him, the references to the works of previous writers and geographical details may be accepted without any misgivings. To M. ChÉlu Bey, Director of the Government Press, I am indebted for his ever ready aid; to Mr. Hansard of the Survey Department for the plates accompanying this work; and to Mr H.G.F. Beadnell, F.G.S, F.R.G.S, for having kindly written the description of the Egyptian oases and the geology of Egypt which form the fifth chapter of this book.

W. Willcocks.

Cairo, 12-10, 1904.