186 TO THE LAND OF THE NEGROID common flea was not, sand-flies were not to be seen. It was some dark speciality of Fashoda, ghostly relics of Abdullah's tortures, left behind to take vengeance by night.

One is not even alone in one's house ; a large species of wasp also inhabits it, taking scant notice of mankind unless he provoke. It builds mud dwellings on the walls, and in each cell an egg is deposited. Its chief characteristic is unmitigated pertinacity and perseverance. No matter how often, in safety during the builder's absence, the construction be destroyed, fresh mud is brought from the Mo7% and operations recommenced without symptom of annoyance or surprise.

The lizards, too, are a source of amusement and comfort. The flies of Fashoda are no less a nuisance than elsewhere, and temperature being extreme, likewise is intolerance of them. So one thanks God for the small lizard which comes to the rescue, and so tamely and confidingly meanders in quest of his food. One sits down to read, and the fly makes that impossible. Despite the heat, every inch of exposed skin is wrapped up to avoid him, and a seroot settles down, or wasps and bees utter their menacing note ; then blessings are invoked on the wee reptiles who so unhesitatingly captin-e these torments, and wishes are fervent that they may gather in greater numbers around, to free one from pests and from stains on one's vocabulary I At a spot on the Mountain Nile I once saw a duel between a bat and a lizard—swiftness of wing