PBAIRIE FIRE. 63 The next clay's marcli was much pleasanter, being through well-cultivated fields and past many villasres. The men here when workinsj in the fields do not take their weapons with them, a sure sign of the peaceful life they lead ; and it was pleasant to see how joyfully the soldiers were welcomed everywhere ; often the villagers would carry the soldiers' guns and small loads for some distance on the road, enjoying meantime a lively conversation with their friends.

We camped at a small village at night, and the next day arrived at Fatiko, the road leading through the most lovely scenery ; narrow wooded glades were passed, and we crossed two splendid streams, which, dashing over rocks, formed beautiful waterfalls. The second river was, I believe, called Nyama, and flows into the Nile near Dufli. Its water was very clear, sweet, and cool—a rare treat in Africa.

For some distance I had seen a hill, on which I imagined Fatiko was situated ; but on approaching I discovered that it was in reality three-quarters of a mile beyond the fort, which is placed at the foot of a large mass of rocks, forming a natural impregnable stockade on one side, a deep trench jrotecting the rest of the town. Our arrival was announced, as is customary, by the firing of a gun, which was answered from the fort, by hoisting the flag, and I soon saw the white coats of the soldiers as thev