546 Major Gibbons on Through the Heart of Africa. [March 15, 



who — confident in their security — moved about unarmed. Since leav- 

 ing Marotseland, women and children had almost invariably run at 

 the approach of the white man. Now, regardless of sex or age, the 

 native encountered would step aside as he passed and give a respectful 

 salute. Faults no doubt may be found with the policy of the late 

 administration, but of the tact and moral integrity of the district 

 commissioners and officers there can be no question when facts speak 

 so eloquently in their favour. 



The Nile river, as a water-way and cheap line of communication 

 with Uganda, has undoubtedly a great future, but apart from its 

 utility the upper river has little in its favour. Enervating heat in 

 the dry season, swamps and countless mosquitoes in the wet, and an 

 utter absf nee of picturesque scenery, excepting only the neighbour- 

 hood of the Diifile rapids, are the points which strike the travellei 

 most. I was relieved of the necessity of travelling down the Nile 

 valley from Lado to Khartum by the considerate offer of a passage 

 in the Egyptian stern-wheeler " Kaibar," by Bimbashi Saunders, the 

 Governor of Fashoda, who picked me up at Lado early in August 

 last while on a tour of inspection ; and five weeks later I was in 

 England, and had bidden farewell to African exploration for ever. 



