42 MRULI TO RUBAGA IN UGANDA.

and children, three or four men, and several goats, as booty. I was at once given clearly to understand that we must now remain here two days, in order that it might not appear as if we were robbers running away with our spoil. I naturally remonstrated very strongly against this interpretation, and requested the gentlemen to set free their prisoners and the goats, for then none could accuse us of robbery. ‘This they at first refused to do, but after the night had passed in perfect quiet, just as I had expected, they at last consented to listen to my protestations; and after we had given our wounded into the care of some neighbouring friendly chiefs, we continued our march, taking with us, however, our prisoners, who were to be delivered up to Mtésa.

The ground rose sensibly yesterday, and as soon as we had left the banana grove to-day we commenced to climb over ridges of hills, in the valleys between which were muddy watercourses, The hills ran directly across our route, which oradually rose until the heights between the mountains of Duhutli and Naduima being passed, we arrived at a number of granite blocks thrown together in groups at the edge of the first-named mountain, and interspersed among bananas. From here there opened out an extensive view across the country. This place seemed made for taking a triangulation of the numerous mountain peaks which range themselves on all sides in the distance. Banana groves, with groups of huts, oreen fields, blue mountains, shady valleys, and a smiling heaven, composed an enchanting picture before our eyes, and merrily we continued our way over firm red clay, right through the banana groves. A road about twenty feet broad, clean and well kept, led to our night-quarters at Kyikasa. Upon the road we traversed to-day the Canna indica grows abundantly, in full red bloom, the same as that which I noticed so often last year at Fauvera. The black round seeds are made into necklaces. Notwithstanding that the plant is so common here, it does not appear to have been noticed by any traveller.

A brilliant moonlight night followed an equally beautiful day. It is a unique pleasure to sit in the deep darkness of a banana grove, and to watch the play of the ever-changing shadows which the bluish moonlight throws through the