ARRIVAL AT DUFILE. 9
who were alarmed at our fires as they came to water, served for
our lullaby.
Next morning light rain did not prevent an early start. The road led up and down hill, as just described. All the khors were dry. Our thirst became intense, when at last a new khor provided us with a small quantity of good water. Along the whole of this part of the road the river is hidden. To the right is Jebel Kuku, at a distance of from one to one and a half miles from our path, and upon the east bank of the river the azure heights of Jebel Arju stretch out, running
parallel with those of Jebel Kurdu. The latter, partly covered by bushes, often present bare cliffs, rendered so black by the action of sun and rain, that their real composition is un- recognisable from a distance. These cliffs frequently look hike gigantic seams of coal. After a short time distant rumbling announced the proximity of the falls of Makedo and Apuddo, and hence our approach to the river. A few minutes more, and the path changed its direction to the south-east, leaving the Kuku mountains, which abruptly termin- ated here. <A glorious panorama opened out before us. The
hill gradually sloped down to level ground, which stretched out into a wide plain,'dotted here and there with palms, and through its expanse the mighty river, blue and shining, flowed on in sweeping curves. Azure hills and purple-headed moun- tains formed the picture's frame. By a gentle descent we
left the hills, red passion-flowers and lemon-coloured grass lies bedecking the path. The roll of drums and clang of bugles bid us welcome—we were in Dufilé.*
* The geographical nomenclature of the country between the Khor Ayu and Dufilé has undergone considerable changes since Emin’s visit in 1877. The Kuku are a sub-tribe of the Mddi living on the Ayu; Jebel Meto had better be called Jebel Otze ; and the other mountains referred to above are likewise known by other names. The Rapids below Dufilé are known as Fola. Makedo is a district far down the river, near Kiri, whilst the Apuddo are a tribe of the Madi, near Dufilé, in whose territory Sir S. W. Baker built Ibrahimia.—E. G. R.