CHARACTER OF THE VEGETATION. 265 Domi was still on our left, while to the right Khor Chuki, though a good way off, could be distinguished by the fringe of trees along its banks. We presently crossed it, and could see that the gigantic blocks bordering its bed had been sculptured by the water, and not been brought down by floods. An extensive view from the next hill gave an opportunity of taking the bearings of the previously unknown mountains and mountain groups in the Shuli district, which we were about to enter. Jebel Namo, lying in the district of Fadot, was very imposing. A rapid ascent over hilly country, overgrown with very high grass, brought us to a rivulet, where we expected to find water; but it was quite dry, and digging procured only a little coffee-brown, bad-smelling liquid. A hittle farther on we found a pool of rain-water, which, to judge by its colour and taste, must have been used by elephants and buffaloes for toilet purposes; but our thirst had been unquenched for six hours, in a temperature of 33° C. in the shade, so we were not very particular.

The country was entirely uninhabited, and the grass so high that it was difficult even to use the compass, especially as the path turned and twisted every moment. Where woods intervened, they were fairly uniform—acacias, Kigelias, and numbers of Sarcocephalus caught the eye, and the tamarinds were particularly fine and numerous. Asa rule, the country from Ladé to beyond 3° N. lat. presents the same grey monotonous green, the same stiff leather-like foliage, interrupted only at the khors by a more succulent verdure and some variety of species. Towards the south the vegetation assumes a different and more cheerful character. As regards the animals of this region, lons, leopards, and hysenas alarmed us every night, and the cheetah is particularly common. Buffaloes, elephants, and various kinds of antelopes (the commonest being Antilope oreas) abound. On account of the high grass, we could only hear the birds. A large species of python is frequently met with at the khors.

During a slight thundershower, we reached the Shuli village of Fanto, and were soon busily engaged in building our huts. Taught by experience, I have long since discarded the inconvenient practice of carrying a tent about with me; every wood