NEWS FROM ENGLAND. 65 When the people heard that I had been six days on the road from Foweira, and had hurt my leg, they attributed my misfortune to the fact that I had started on a Tuesday. I may here say a word about lucky and unlucky days. Though not in the least superstitious, I have often started on bad days to try and prove to the people the unreasonableness of their belief; but I learnt by sad experience how foolish it was to do so. The men set out in bad spirits, and then do all in their power to make the journey uncomfortable. Monday, Thursday, and Saturday are the best days to start. Wednesday is indifferent ; but Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday are considered unlucky ; so that, even if it is a necessity to start, it is better to yield to their prejudice and set off after the midday prayers. By this concession trouble is avoided.

I had a most j)leasant week's rest at Fatiko.

Happily there were no mosquitoes, the air was very good, and the nights were so cold that a small fire was necessary ; I was braced up wonderfully by the cold after the long time spent in the malarious districts between Kubaga and Fatiko.

During my stay I saw Sir Samuel Baker's old dining-hall, which is a cave ; also his and Lady Baker's private caves, and Mr. Baker's rock, celebrated for a jump he used frequently to take from it; the chasm over which he jumped was so deep that a slip would have cost him his life.

VOL. II. F