Illusive Falls.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLVII, Issue 22, 29 May 1912, Page 51

Illusive Falls.

In connection with the operations in the Abor country, and the intention of the Indian Government to explore the lower section of the unknown Brahmaputra, an expedition, consisting of two British officers with an escort, has been despatched for the purpose of settling the location of the reported great falls of the Brahamaputra. These falls, ac« cording to rumour, are situated about half-way between the northern bend of the river and the plains of Assam. In the unknown section of 130 miles there is a fall in altitude of something like <oooft. and the river must descend by

great ami numerous rapids, or by one or a series of great falls. Many attempts have been made by natives of ludia and others to locate -the falls, but without siKxess. ' The distance to be explored is not great, but as the lie of the Brahamaputra is at right angles to and through the greatest range of mountains in the world, the difficulties to be encountered! will be of the severest .description. The fixing and measuring of these falls is regarded as among the chief unsolved problems of geographical science. Some 30 years ago a native was reported to have gone down the river, but after having been captured and kept prisoner for several years, he returned without any maps or anything but the vaguest reports.