368 Seven Years in the Sondan.

lamailia, and assured me that the river Avas still blocked in twenty-two places.

" The river Jur is now found to be navigable above Wau. As soon as the rains have swollen it sufficiently, the boats and steamers will begin to go up. Dr. Junker brought with him much material, and I have already furnished him with all the means for going to Monbuttu without difficulty. His exploration will be greatly facilitated by Mdarama having given in his suljmission ; I expect also that of his brother Mbio. These two kings have massacred all the Arab expeditions that entered their district. Four years ago the natives of the settlements of Kutshuk Ali, Wau, and Jur Gattas, made an alliance, and marched against Mdarama with more than two thousand soldiers armed with guns and three thousand native spearmen. Mdarama, who possessed more than six hundred guns, defended the passes, fell upon the Arabs, and massacred them all. The poor spearmen suffered the same fate, and since then the terrible Mdarama was never again attacked. His district is very rich in ivory and other products. Suleiman Ziber, after some unfortunate enterprises against Mdarama, had tried to bribe him to be a friend, but the cunning emperor refused his gifts and repulsed all treaties.

" The changes which have taken place in the country, the liberty allowed the natives, the suppression of slavery and the slave trade, have been well received in this remote district ; and Mdarama, who had never left his kingdom, having heard of the result of the war, sent word that he would pay me a visit, being desirous of establishing good relations with me.

" By the submission of Mdarama and Mbio, all the Niam-Niam country is now open to exploration, and this is a piece of good fortune for Dr. Junker ; he will go straight to Mdarama, who I am certain will assist him to visit Monbuttu au4 the Congo. Almost