34 UGANDA AND THE EGYPTIAN SOUDAN.

miles of swamp to pass through, and we were very glad when the time came for rest, as any one who has travelled in Central Africa will understand.

The horrid smell of the water, the overpowering odour of the tropical water-plants, the mosquitoes in thousands buzzing round one, the effort required to keep on one's legs on account of the uneven nature of the ground; and the numerous impediments in the way, such as creepers, logs of wood, or holes caused by elephants, combine to make a march through a swamp a thing to be dreaded by all who traverse those lands. I was too tired to take much notice even of the mosquitoes, which were very troublesome that night ; the result was, that when I awoke the next morning, I found my face and hands very much swollen. We started betimes, but had only gone about a mile and a half, when we came to a sudden halt, and all the men fell flat on their faces, pulling me down with them.

I was naturally somewhat astonished at such a novel proceeding on their part, and mildly inquired what was the matter and what I had done to be treated in so extraordinary a manner. They motioned to me to preserve silence, and to follow two or three men who were crawling forward on their hands and knees.

I imitated them, and soon came upon an explanation, for I saw a newly-formed path, which had evidently been traversed by a large number of men that day, and which directly crossed our road. As we were