A CONTRETEMPS. 321 succeeded in surmounting them, and steamers have been safely transported and reconstructed here, and will doubtless prove to be a great assistance to the work of civilisation in these regions.

On the morning of December 28 we prepared for a start onwards. We were provided with three donkeys. Before receiving the " salaam " I mounted my animal, but, alas, he proved refractory ; in spite of my efforts, the beast bolted with me right past the soldiers, who were drawn up in line. I pulled at the bridle, and my legs being too long my feet trailed on the ground, and I presented a most undignified spectacle; the donkey would not stop until seized by two officers who had started in pursuit ! They would not let me dismount, but led me ignominiously past the line of troops to receive the parting salaam. After this contretemps we finally made our departure, carrying with us most agreeable remembrances of the kind attentions and hospitality of the officials at Magungo.

Three long days' march brought us to Keroto. On the first day the road was for the most part exceedingly bad ; the tall tiger-grass and deep underwood impeded the way, and made our progress very slow. It was here that we came for the first time to the banana groves, which were certainly very pleasant and shady, and rested our eyes, which had been much tried by the glare of the sun. We found the Wanyoro porters a wretched set of men, VOL. i. Y