136 MRULI TO MAGUNGO.

Pistias. Crocodiles and hippopotami were seen here in great numbers. We had hardly been half an hour upon our voyage, when our lhght boat flew nearly half out of the water; an enormous head popping up close by showed us whom we had to thank for the blow. The prospect of being thrown by a sportive hippo down the throat of a crocodile is not pleasant.

Solitary mountain peaks were visible towards the south; the southern bank of the river is covered by light wood, but the papyrus fringe is all the more formidable. Our voyage continued without further incident ; the light morning rain passed off, but the sky remained clouded.

After a short rest on the bank, here rising to the exceptional height of twenty feet, where a brood of Cercopithecus griseoviridis was noisily gambolling, we continued our voyage, much enjoying the splendid effect which the dying glow of the sun, the variegated tints of the evening, and the pale light of the moon produced on the dark water, over which we glided noiselessly along under the shadow of dark papyrus walls. About an hour after sunset we arrived at Koch (Koki), where latterly an agricultural station has been established, and promises well. My night’s quarters were soon arranged, as I had brought all necessaries with me, and, owing to the foresight of the soldiers, I even had sweet potatoes roasted in the ashes for my supper. About midnight another boat arrived, the occupants of which were all suffering from fever; notwithstanding this, I despatched their boat early, in order to give them the benefit of the cool morning hours, whilst I started later on, after a visit from my old friend Ridnga, well known to the readers of Baker’s books.

The river scenery continued much like that previously described. Wide stretches of floating turf, consisting of Pistia, Vallisneria, Ottelia, Potamogeton, &c., edge the papyrus growth. On the land gigantic primeval trees are so thickly interwoven by climbing plants that they present a front of smooth foliage. Without an axe it is impossible to penetrate these woods, and hey are haunted by leopards and beautifully marked pythons.

We landed, after a short voyage, on the high banks near the station of Fauvera, which, owing to its bananas and fields, makes a fine show. My floating hospital arrived somewhat