Lake Victoria 15 



roof as ours. The interior was divided into various compart- 

 ments. Chairs, tables, and even a chest of drawers were among 

 the appointments, while on one of the walls an oleograph of the 

 German Imperial pair made a fine show. 



This sultan has the reputation of being the most progressive 

 in the district. He takes much interest in all European matters 

 and equipments, many of which he endeavours to introduce. 

 For instance, he made us carefully explain the construction of 

 the folding boats which we had brought with us, and continue 

 explaining till he had fully grasped the idea. He is a beginner 

 in the German language, but likes to practise it, and that he 

 might not forget a new sentence he had learned whilst he was 

 inspecting the boat, he kept on murmuring : " Das ist ein boot — 

 das ist ein boot." 



We had also to go and visit the old mother of the sultan, 

 who lived in one of the round huts which was built in somewhat 

 more elaborate style than the rest. She and the sultan, and, 

 indeed, all the members of the reigning family of the Bukoba 

 province, are descended from the ancient and distinguished race 

 of Wahima, with whom later on we were to become more closely 

 acquainted in Ruanda. 



The next morning a start was made, as usual, by sunrise. 

 The routine was pretty well the same every day for the next 

 few months, and consisted as follows : At five o'clock the 

 Arabian call was blown, then ensued the hurried collecting 

 together of tents, strapping up of loads and breakfast in 

 primitive form. Shortly before 6 a.m. the Askari and the 

 carriers, with their loads properly strapped, took up their 

 positions. Lieutenant von Wiese, to whom I had entrusted 

 the sole charge of the Askari and the carriers, adopted an 

 excellent plan whereby he could pick out the loafers and sick 

 among them. He would send on those carriers who were ready 

 with their loads a mile in advance, so that any unappropriated 

 burdens would at once be noticed. Immediately the last load 

 had been picked up by its proper carrier, the signal to advance 

 was sounded ; two previously selected Askari marched at the 



