MEN OF THE TREES 



hundred and fifty miles, there was nothing done to the 

 engine. At this mileage, four thousand, I considered it 

 necessary to remove the plugs and decarbonize. 



In the course of one of my tours, I conducted a party 

 of Chiefs and Headmen to the Calabar Exhibition across 

 the Niger. A convoy of Morris cars and vans carried the 

 Chiefs, their retinues and exhibits. I thoroughly enjoyed 

 the keen and intelligent interest in the driving of my 

 car shown by the Ashodi of Benin, who was my pas- 

 senger. The readiness of the Chiefs and big-men in adapt- 

 ing themselves to the use of the motor is shown in their 

 increasing tendency to demand a high-powered car 

 which will become practicable as the roads improve. 

 Already, during the past few years, thanks to the Public 

 Works Department, and to the policy of the Govern- 

 ment, there have been great developments in road- 

 improvement and construction. This is especially notable 

 on the road from Lagos to Ibadan and long stretches of 

 it are now equal to any first-class roads in other parts 

 of the world. Incidentally, the bend on the side of the 

 hill and scene of my adventure has been more than 

 trebled in width, and now there is a splendid sweep upon 

 which one can speed without fear of mishap. 



Occasionally during the tornado season in the rain 

 forest region, one comes across a fallen tree, but delays 

 need not be long, for no motorist in these parts would 

 be without a sharp axe, and when a number of sturdy 

 tribesmen arrive on the scene, little time is lost in cutting 

 a way through. 



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