16 MAY 1868, Page 2

The India House has drawn up an official estimate of

the cost of the Abyssinian Expedition. It will be about 5,000,0001., if Sir R. Napier leaves the country by 31st May, and 600,0001. more for every additional month, or say, five millions and a half as the actual total. It is recommended that most of the animals collected should be abandoned, as they will cost more to transport than they are worth ; and this advice will probably be followed, either by great presents to friendly chiefs, or mock sales by auction which will bring back a few of our own dollars. The worst item in the bill is the charge for transport, 400,0001. a month, which seems to us to indicate that the Navy ou which we spend so much is still incompetent to its work.