328 BUFI TO RUMBEK.

places the grass had been burnt down, and red sand-patches stretched out before us, blackened by ashes and charcoal. In some places, also, we noticed grass stubble which had been left standing, and masses of yellow withered leaves scattered over the ground or still hanging to the twigs of trees. _ A sudden rainfall compelled us to camp in the small village of Joro, the huts of which occupied a small clearing in the wood.

Some of them were built upon the ground, others upon platforms. The space underneath the platforms is much sought after on account of the shade it provides, and all house-work is performed there. The men also assemble there to chat with the women, who, as in all Mittu tribes, possess a considerable amount of independence. I again noticed the lip ornaments, the quartz cones, as well as the formidable naked knives hanging to the waist-belts of the women, who were all nude and very fat. A small hill, Dogrupatara, about 150 feet high, lies near the village. On climbing it I obtained a view of high rolling ground and a great number of small mounds and rocks. The course of the Yalo, with its western bend, was also well seen. The most noteworthy heights which caught the eye were Jebel Gurken (Dokavuru of the Lési) and Jebel Kharttim, which had been noticed by previous travellers. The former of these mountains is a slightly extended range of hills, about 250 feet high, having, especially upon its northern side, conspicuously bare cliffs. Jebel Khartum, or, to give it its proper name, Jebel Nyedi, is a hilly plateau; it is called by the Leési, Dobrato.

On returning from my walk I had the unexpected pleasure of catching a specimen of the mole-mouse (Georychus), which appeared to be taking its evening promenade, and by whetting its teeth against one another and softly hissing, it prepared to defend itself. Its very small eyes were at the same time completely shut, giving a peculiar appearance to its large head. The little animal, with its ornamental silver grey fur, the white spot upon its forehead, and its soft hair, is very attractive. It comes far oftener into daylight than the mole, which it appears to replace here.

The huts of the village of Rengo, which lie at the foot of Jebel Nyedi, differ somewhat from others by having the points