VARIOUS PROBLEMS 



represented on them by blank spaces, and the position 

 of the Lorian Swamp varied on the different sheets 

 by nearly one degree ! 



For the benefit of those who have not had the 

 privilege, shall I say, of travelling through such a 

 country as Jubaland, I will point out the various 

 problems that face the leader of an expedition. The 

 country is generally unknown, pathless and, in many 

 districts, waterless. Frequently it is so thick with 

 bush that it appears almost impossible to cut a way 

 through. It is a well-known fact that in the interior 

 the natives are unfriendly towards the white man 

 and are notoriously treacherous. The only possible 

 method of progress is to travel from water-hole to 

 water-hole, which lie perhaps sixty or even a hundred 

 miles apart. After a series of exhausting and trying 

 marches, beset with every kind of difficulty and 

 hardship, a water-hole is reached, and found perhaps 

 to be dry. By this time the water-tanks are three- 

 parts empty, and the men are almost certainly dis- 

 couraged and discontented, owing to the enormous 

 amount of work they have had to perform in cutting 

 a path through the bush ; moreover, they are probably 

 ill at ease and nervous, for there is always the 

 possibility of an attack by a party of young Somali 

 warriors, anxious to qualify for the privilege of 

 wearing the " Bal," and carrying the black-shafted 

 spear, the special insignia of those who have killed 

 an enemy. The next water-hole is perhaps another 

 fifty or sixty miles ahead. Only two courses are 

 now open, either to retrace one's steps or to go on 

 in the hope of finding water at the next place. If 

 the latter plan is followed, and the water-hole again 

 proves to be dry, both the traveller and his men 



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