ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume III, Issue III, 8 February 1845, Page 196

ENGLISH EXTRACTS.

Isthmus of Panama. — "We are credibly informed," says the Courrier Fran^ais, " that the hopes entertained with regard to the piercing of the Isthmus of Panama have not been realized. M. Gazella has returned to France, after having explored the isthmus, and ascertained that the point at which the junction between the two seas was contemplated was not ten metres (30 feet) above the level of the sea, as stated by the Franco-Grenada Company, but 125 metres (375 feet) ; so that instead of a mere trench, and a canal without a sluice, or, in other words, an artificial strait, which was deemed practicable from the survey of the engineers of the company, the canal to be opened at the point of junction would require upwards of sixty sluices. M. Gazella is a distinguished engineer of the mining department, and had been sent by the French Government to explore the isthmus, and verify the levels taken by the surveyors employed by the above company." A Real Traveller. — A wonder has lately arrived in India in the shape of a Norwegian runner, who is about to attempt the discovery of the source of the White Nile, on foot, and unattended. He expects to be absent from this only about four months, and he is to go in a direct line, crossing deserts and swimming rivers. He runs a degree in twelve hours, and can go three days without food or water, by merely taking a sip or two of syrup of raspberries, of which he carries a small bottle ; and when he does procure food, a very moderate quantity will suffice ; but when it is plentiful he eats enough for three days. This wonderful man carries with him only a map, a compass, and a Norwegian axe. He has already made some wonderful journeys, having gone from Constantinople to Calcutta and back in fiftynine days, for which the Sultan gave him 2,000 dollars; and from Paris to St. Petersburg in thirteen days. He has certificates from the authorities at Calcutta and St. Petersburg verifying these very extraordinary facts. He is about forty- five years of age, and slightly made. He tru&ts for safety in perilous journeys to his speed, as he says neither dromedary nor man can overtake him. — Indian paper.