148 UGANDA AND TEE EGYPTIAN SOUDAN.

condition. The ground was sandy, and splendid clumps of trees were most grateful to the eye, while the shade they gave was very refreshing.

Near the Seriba there was a little ironstone. The porters very nearly came to blows over a poor snake who crossed our path ; some wished to kill it, others would not hear of such a thing, and a lively dispute took place, during which the cause of the commotion lost its life in spite of its defenders. One of the porters got possession of it, and doubtless afterwards enjoyed a good meal, for the Bongos eat reptiles, in fact everything except dogs ; they also eat roots of all descriptions. After passing through the jungle, we came to the enormous dhurra-fields which surround Djour Ghattas, and soon afterwards a pleasing sight presented itself to our view; as far as the eye could reach were clusters of huts, each group being surrounded by a light well-made fence ; while picturesque clumps of trees, with luxuriant foliage, added much to the beauty of the settlement. Djour Ghattas is a great contrast to the other towns we had passed; instead of the huts being crowded together into one large compound, they are spread over an extent of about two square miles, each standing in its own enclosure; and there are good paths in all directions amongst the gardens, which are cultivated round each homestead. On entering the town, to our right we saw the government divan, which was built of burnt