IN AFRICAN FOREST AND JUNGLE 



been eelskins. The river banks were lined with man- 

 grove trees, supported on their tall roots, and as the 

 tide was low, we could see multitudes of oysters grow- 

 ing round them. 



We passed at last the region of the mangrove 

 trees, which only grow where the tide is felt and 

 where the banks of the rivers are flat. Then the 

 banks of the Ogobai river became hilly and clad 

 with the trees of the forest to their very top. 

 Here and there a flock of gray parrots with red 

 tails were feeding on fruits, or a troop of monkeys 

 was seen. 



The following day, as we were approaching the vil- 

 lage of Rotembo the Chief, we landed, and the men 

 made their toilet so as to appear at their best when 

 they arrived at the village of Rotembo. 



Rikimongani put a shirt on, and a high silk hat — 

 this was the costume he wore on state occasions. He 

 was the best dressed man of the company. 



Then we re-embarked, and as we paddled the men 

 began to sing, and to beat the tomtoms furiously. 

 Soon the village of Rotembo came in sight. Then the 

 men sang louder than before, and their song was — 



** We come with the great Oguizi, 

 The great friend of King Mombo, 

 To Rotembo the great Chief;" 

 2 



