442 LETTERS TO DR. SCHWEINFURTH.

which is at present completely cut off from all connexion with them, are the Babukur, and they too are also found here in the south, under the name of Mayanga. But excuse this digression ; it was my intention to describe to you my journey, and I drift into hypotheses! My learned colleague and friend, Dr. Junker, who has worked here for so long, will treat of all this far better than I can ever do.

At every step which I took from the Kibali to the south, my admiration of the country increased, and the glorious vegetation perfectly enchanted me. I was very glad, therefore, to stay for a few days in Bellima, Gambari’s headquarters, before proceeding to the south. Many changes have taken place since you visited Monbuttu, and now any one wishing to study the people and their customs must leave the beaten paths and seek out more remote parts of the country than Kubi or Tingazi. One thing, however, no misery, no misgovernment, has been able to overcloud, and that is the magnificence of Nature, its sublime woods and “ galleries.” How often, as I have wandered under these hich domes, has the beautiful old song occurred to me, ‘‘ Wer hat dich, du griiner Wald, aufgebaut so hoch da oben ?”

I have taken all possible trouble to utilise to the utmost extent my few days’ stay in this place, and have, of course, managed to procure a few seeds and “curios” for you. Owing to want of paper, it has been simply impossible to collect plants. The last steamer brought me only a very few newspapers, which I had to use in packing bird-skins, &c.; but do not be disappointed; you shall, notwithstanding, have some plants from here. I have very often seen the kola nut here, and have collected some of the thick banana-like fruits which contain the seeds. The people use the latter as a cure for hemorrhage. I am afraid that those I sent you will not grow, for I could not obtain any perfectly ripe ones. Another seed is found in this country which is so like that of the kola nut that it is quite possible to mistake it. It has, however, a sharp taste, sharper than the strongest onion, and it produces extreme intoxication if eaten. The Monbuttu call these seeds envamu, and the great chiefs use them exclusively as an article of luxury. A kind of nutmeg is also very common. It grows