THE STEAM WHISTLE. 305 of wood, which in these regions takes the place of coal as fuel. The wood was carried down to the boat by strong and well-proportioned women, who were gaily ornamented with showy beadwork ; and who seemed on the best terms with the sailors, chatting and laughing with them, and evidently regarding their work as mere play.

Leaving Arbatascha we passed numerous villages, at most of which a curious sight presented itself. The natives were as yet unaccustomed to the steamer, and were greatly frightened by its approach, especially whenever the steam-whistle was blown. The warriors rushed down to the water's edge brandishing their spears, while the women and children, carrying as much of their scanty property as possible, ran quickly up the hills, seeking safety in flight.

The next station for obtaining fuel is about halfway between Dufli and Magungo, but here we could not get near the bank, as the river was shallow, so that the wood from the villages had to be brought through the water . for about threequarters of a mile. Only men and boys came, each carrying a load, and receiving as payment a few blue or green beads. The boys carried by far the heaviest loads, and it was strange to see a small child staggering under the weight of a heavy burden, while big strong men brought only light bundles.

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