.Y AFRICAN FOREST. 181 formed by the intermingling branches, the soft greensward underneath being a pleasant contrast to the tangled underwood through which we had often to force a passage. At times the path was obstructed by a gigantic tree, which unable to resist the force of some fierce blast, had fallen, but though fallen, was still beautiful, its soft covering of moss looking like yelyet. Far above us the wind sighed in the branches, the rustling of innumerable leaves sounding like the murmur of the ocean on a sandy shore. The atmosphere, heavy with the overpowering scent of tropical vegetation, produced a feeling of oppression ; and, though wondering and rejoicing at the marvellous beauty so lavishly displayed around us, we were glad when a welcome break in the forest allowed us to breathe a purer, cooler air.

It was late in the afternoon when we arrived at the river Ghitti, which we crossed in a ferry-boat ; and, after marching in the dark for another mile or so, we camped in the open, near the river-bank.

The next morning we marched to the river Ji or Pango, which, passing Dem Bekir and Seriba Adlan, before it arrives here, flows on to the Bahrel-Arab. It is a beautiful stream, and I do not think I have seen a more charming spot than this ferry ; the rocks which were jutting out of the water at frequent intervals, combined with the rapidity of the current, would however be a bar to