PLANS AND PROSPECTS. 259 north, having been carried somewhat down the stream by the current. The bank is about five feet high; it is formed of alluvial soil, and is well wooded. The current presses upon the western bank, as is made evident by the existence of numerous islands on the eastern side, which is not exposed to the destructive action of floods. The chain of hills which runs along the eastern side of the river from Muggi is here called Kuitu, and is only separated from the river by a narrow strip of land.

territory I passed through, although partly traversed by other travellers, has been but very inadequately explored, and still more imperfectly described, so that fresh information is desirable.”

“‘T should certainly have pushed on from Fadibék eastwards, where a terra incognita awaits the traveller, if it had not been for limited time and numerous administrative duties elsewhere. As it was, I had to be satisfied with what came under my notice in the districts nearer my headquarters, and I can only claim the indulgence of the Society for the insignificance of the gift I offer it. I was unable to map out any routes, owing to a severe wound, which rendered my journey from Fatiko to this place very trying, especially as no riding animals were at my command. In what direction I shall next direct my steps I cannot at present decide. Should I find it possible to go by land from here through Libari and Kaliké to Makrakd, I shall certainly do so, but if not, I may probably go through Lado straight to Monbuttu, and from there open up a route to the lake. As the result of my journey, I have some fresh supplies of ivory ready to be sent off, besides which, contracts have been made with the southern chiefs for further supplies, and so I hope that the Government will be satisfied. I have received a friendly invitation from Chief Mbio, who has been considered unapproachable for the last eighteen years, and I intend to avail myself of it, for the wealth of this Nyam-Nyam ruler in ivory has become almost proverbial, and I have always had at heart the opening up of friendly communications with the native chiefs. My men are at present engaged in the erection of a new station at Légo, and Mbio’s invitation reached me through them. Two new stations have been erected in Lattika, and a third. is to be established in Bér. I have established a station at Fadibék, with sub-stations in Agaru, Fajuli, and Fatdénga—the latter is not yet erected—as well as stations in the south. We have advanced from Wadelai to Okoro. So much for my year’s work.” “There are in the province about 1400 officers and soldiers, and about 200 irregulars,” “As usual, I have endeavoured to collect zoological and ethnological specimens, and shall venture to send to you by the next steamer all I have.”

““T am unable to communicate any fresh news from Ugdnda. The men last sent to me by Mtésa, with presents and letters, found Mrili deserted, and fearing lest their retreat should be cut off by Kabréga’s people, they returned at once to Ugdnda, while their letters reached me through Ridnga’s men. I am now expecting men daily from Kabréga, and, should they come, I will quickly re-establish my relations with Ugdnda. The chief of Toru has offered me a free passage through his territory.”