A Victorian picto-report: Sir Maximillian Gadaday's recent exploration of the Niger basin. Part 1

The following images are used courtesy of Sir Maximillian Gadadays estate, and are taken from his recent Niger basin exploration from June 1883 - October 1883.

The text is kindly reproduced from the notes and slides used in his recent talk at the Wollington Womens Institute. Some images have been ommitted due to the daring nakedness featured within this primitive jungle. But, as Sir Gadaday remarked, 'One had to get starkers before johnny-native or he wouldn't let one start filming...'


Sir Gadady (centre) poses with his bat-man Mr Cracknell (left) and expedition pastry chef, Maurice St Germaine. Just out of frame - the 80 foot long rubber dirigible, 'The afront to God'.

This charming native boy, Mnengway, was sadly the first to succumb to the giant puffer leechs to be found on the muddy rises surrounding the Niger. Armed only with his spear and shield he fought several of these foul beasts but was overwhelmed when they vented their ear-sacks and broiled his shins.

To the uninitiated this may look like nothing more than a screen of native trees. In fact, and this may surprise you, it is in fact a screen of native fern.

Further into the jungle we found this group of itinerate quantity surveyors. Largely ferral now they seemed harmless enough, although one did try and break into our biscuit box, so we shot him.

I don't claim to have any understanding as to what this is. But it is recorded here none the less.

Taking time at the Nigers source. Mr Cracknell rests near the banks while taking topographical surveys of the rivers tributaries. Marvelling at the winding shape Mr Cracknell would later describe it as 'a cock-crooked French tickler kind of shape!' to no-ones amusement.