522 Capt. G. E. Shelley on Birds 



a spread of wings of almost six feet, two Francolins [Franco- 

 linus johnstoni and F. shelleyi) found in the short grass of 

 the plateau, a Raven {Corvttlhir albicoIUs), and twelve Passeres 

 new to him, as having been met with here during the sixteen 

 days of his stay, after which he returned to Mr. Taylor's 

 bungalow near Karonga. 



After a short rest here, Mr. Whyte started on July 17th, 

 in company with Dr. Kerr Cross, for an expedition into the 

 Tanganyika Plateau, the object being to examine the little- 

 known Masuku Range, which extends from that plateau near 

 Fort Hill towards Lake Nyasa. The same road was taken 

 as on the former expedition as far as Mpata, whence the old 

 Stevenson road was followed to Mwanyesia's village near the 

 entrance to the pass. Hence an early start was made for 

 the stiff climb up the plateau along the much-frequented 

 route to Tanganyika, and the stockaded village of Mwini- 

 wanda was reached at 4 p.m. This was a miserable place 

 surrounded by swamps, and the travellers were glad to push 

 on to Chirenji, formerly one of the Livingstonia mission- 

 stations, but now abandoned on account of its unhealthiness. 

 Three hours beyond, on the plateau, is the strong and well- 

 appointed station of Fort Hill, belonging to the British Central 

 African Administration, recently built by Mr. Yule, and 

 commanded by that able officer, who has made valuable 

 contributions to our knowledge of the mammal-fauna of the 

 surrounding district. Here the party remained some days, 

 and large additions were made to the collections. 



On July 22nd Mr. Whyte started on his return journey, 

 taking the same road as far as Chirenji, and thence ascending 

 the Masuku Range. After a few hours' hard climb, the crest 

 of the mountain was reached about four miles east of the 

 highest pointy and the camp was pitched under some fine 

 trees at the edge of one of the patches of large virgin forest. 

 In this district, which is locally known as the ^' Kekombe '' 

 country, the climate at this season was delightful. Its height 

 was estimated at from 6500 to 7200 feet. The camp was 

 changed from the north-east to the south-T^est end of the 

 plateau before the party returned to Karonga. 



