The J elabba. 231 size, and always walked on two legs. Thej liave very short tails. Their strength is said to be extraordinar}', they being able to kill a man with a single stroke of their paw. The same Monbuttu told me also that there is a large river five or six days' journey to the south of Bakangoi. He ended by speaking of the good old Venetian (Miani) in terms of great respect. Miani had often interfered in the disputes between the Arabs and the savages, and had frequently succeeded in smoothing difficulties which, without his intervention, would have ended in bloodshed.

All the people of Makraka and JSTiam-Niam, although they are cannibals, differ very much from other African negroes. The Makraka, as well as the jNlam-Xiam of the west, have a much pleasanter cast of countenance, and readily submit to the orders given to them, serving everybody willingly. But it is very sad that all these good populations are sacrificed to officials who will not conform to the orders received, and that the Government has not yet given itself the trouble to ameliorate their condition.

I am convinced that the Governor-General will in future take measures for a better administration and a different system from that used with the other negroes, who will not submit, and make the district unsafe.

I cannot yet learn whether the white Nile has been freed from the vegetation that impedes its course. If the navigation continues interrupted they Avill be obliged to send people from Khartoum to finish the work.