KHOR ERGUGU. 33

to east, leaving a brilliant track of light belaind it.

At its appearance the men all spat three times on

the ground; whether this arises from the same super-

stition prevailing in England at the appearance of

the new moon, I cannot say.

From this spot the large trees become less

numerous, and the ground gradually sinks until we

come to the Khor Ergugu. In February this khor

was some 200 yards wide, and about knee-deep. We crossed at the same place, but now the river was

about three-quarters of a mile wide, and up to the

neck in depth. As the bottom was very uneven

and slippery we found crossing difficult work. The

porters seemed to manage it pretty well, but for my

part I had several falls, and did not at all enjoy

the bath. There was a current, quite perceptible

though slight, west by north, and I feel confident

that the river drains into the Kafur. If boats were

taken from Mruli up the Kafur, and the confluence

discovered, they could then come up this Ergugu, and so a good deal of marching would be avoided,

to the great satisfaction of the weary traveller. The native canoes could easily push their way through the floating vegetation. A very large

tree, about 150 feet high, can be descried from this

point, forming an excellent landmark. Mount Mkono, or Hand— so called from its five peaks—and Mount Kivambere, can also be seen.

After passing Khor Ergugu we had eight good

VOL. II. T)