A RAILWAY ACROSS THE SAHARA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LII, Issue 5807, 6 October 1879, Page 5

A RAILWAY ACROSS THE SAHARA.

The French Journal O'TfcieZcontains a report addressed to-the President of the Republic by. the Minister Of Public Works on, the proposed railway across the Sahara, followed by a decree appointing a commission to inquire into the question of opening railway communication > between Algeria- and Sanegal and the interior of the Soudain. The commission is to examine into the possibility of constructing such a railway, the best route to be followed, the means of protecting it from raids’ by natives or animals, and from damage by rain or sand-storms, &e, and to estimate the probable cost of construction and working and maintenance. M. de Lesseps is said to have warmly approved the project, which is also supported. by the -Minister of Public'Worts. Now that official encouragement' has been given to the idea, the question-will be thoroughly worked out. Private enterprise has for some time been directed to the scheme, and aeveral reconnoitring expeditions have been sent put to survey the probable route and ascertain correct particulars as to the condition of the country. A contemporary states that two explorers, MM. Eoureau and Fau, who have lately visited the country south of Algeria, report very favourably of the capabilities of the land. “Leaving G&yville, in the province of Oran, in November, with a caravan comprising over 2000 men and 8000 camels, they started for Gourara, where the caravan was to buy dates and other native produce, Crossing a series of sandhills they came to the village of Rassoul, whose well-watered gardens were filled with European fruits and vegetables. A comparatively high range of hills, covered with alfa, had to be crossed, advantage being taken of two passes or defiles, when the oasis of Brezina was reached, situated on, the banks, or rather formed by the waters, of the stream known as Oned Seggneur, which only runs after heavy rains, and is soon lost in the sand. Several other oases, as the El Mala, El Haoseta, and Tadjouna, were visited en route to Laghonat. The country generally is described as a series of undulating plains—the two words are expressive, though apparently : contradictory—interspersed with clumps of tall pistachio-nut trees. During , the winter season numerous flocks of sheep, camels, and oxen were seen along the route, with the tents of their owners pitched here and there in this apparently fertile ‘desert.’ ”