CHAPTER III 



FIGHTING AN AFRICAN GRASS-FIRE 



WHEN one passes into the Congo and 

 Uganda country of Africa the veldt 

 gives way to vast areas of what is 

 called "elephant-grass." This grass grows not 

 only in the open level and fertile country, but 

 also in extremely stony regions and even in 

 the open thorn-tree groves. 



When fully grown, elephant-grass varies in 

 height from five feet to ten feet, and some of 

 the stalks are as large as a bamboo fish-pole. The 

 natives utilise the stalks in making fences and 

 huts, while the blades of the grass are used for 

 thatching roofs and for the sides of the buildings. 



Travelling for days and days through these 

 vast grass areas, where the only trails are those 

 made by elephants and other animals, is, indeed, 

 monotonous. The stalks tower some four or 

 five feet above your head, the tropical sun beats 

 down upon your back, and every breath of air 

 is shut out by the thick, stifling foliage. 



By the last of January the grass is fully grown, 



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