4 AMONG THE PAGANS OF THE SOUTHERN SUDAN two of these tribes—the Dinkas (or Jieng) who inhabit the northern part of Mongalla Province and the northeast of the Bahr el Ghazal Province, and the Azandi, whose country extends from the southern part of the Bahr el Ghazal away to the French and Belgian Congo; but stations have lately been opened among two other tribes.

The Dinka country is thickly covered with bush and forest, and in places the grass towers above the heads of those walking along the narrow, winding paths. During the wet season, from April to October, the whole country is a vast swamp, while from November to March water is so scarce that the water-holes are covered with branches, and a man is always on guard over them.

Twenty-six centuries ago, Isaiah spoke of this country as ‘‘the land of the rustling of wings ’’ (Isaiah xvill. 1, R.V.), and the description is as true to-day as in those long-past ages, for the air is filled with the sound of the wings of numberless insects and birds. Everywhere one goes, great flocks of the latter line the banks of river and lake—storks, flamingos, cranes, pelicans, and many others, as well as myriads of smaller birds, and at migrating times the swish of their wings is heard almost continuously.

Wild animals of all kinds abound, and _ incidentally help to provide work for the mission dispensaries. Insects play a large part in the life of the missionary, especially white ants and mosquitos, for the former eat his boots, books, and boxes, and the latter make life a burden to white man and Dinka alike.

The People The Dinkas are a fine, tall race, with long legs, well adapted for crossing swamps! A favourite Side of the Dinkas is standing on one leg, like a stork; they seem to find this position restful, and will often remain in it for a long time. Another peculiarity is that they are minus four front teeth, which have been forced out with a fishing spear during childhood; this causes them to