In the Volcanic Region 119 



the whole district, and encamped in the neighbourhood of Lake 

 Karago, in the province of Kahama. 



The lava crust on which we were advancing originated from 

 the volcanic eruptions of comparatively earlier times, but is not 

 so old as to have fallen into complete disintegration, as it has 

 done in many other parts. Where this, however, has happened, 

 the ground has been rendered exceedingly fertile through the 

 formation of vegetable soil, and is most industriously cultivated 

 by the natives. Shamba after shaniba are to be seen in unbroken 

 succession, on which bananas, negro millet {intamd)^ sweet 

 potatoes, maize, peas and beans are grown. In Kahama one 

 could clearly discern the detached lava streams and the manner 

 in which they had once poured themselves devastatingly over the 

 land. 



Spacious caverns formed under the crust of the lava streams, 

 and have remained to the present day. We searched around for 

 them, and crept into some of them so as to inspect the interiors. 

 The entrances mostly lie concealed under shrubbery, and it 

 occasionally takes a long time to find an opening. These caves 

 served the Wanjaruanda * not seldom as secret lurking-places. 

 Even as late as 1906 Captain von Grawert had arrows showered 

 upon him from the mouth of one of these caves whilst engaged 

 on a punitive expedition in those parts in consequence of 

 rebellious conduct. The hostile demeanour of the people has 

 now given way to one more peaceable, and since then these 

 cave formations have but rarely been used as entrenchments. 



Having separated again from Grauer, who proceeded on his 

 way to Lake Kiwu, we crossed a few heights anS made some 

 steep descents on our way to the old lava streams, which were 

 visible far away. The journey was, if possible, still more diffi- 

 cult and disagreeable than that of the previous day, as the lava 

 had in parts congealed in a most serrated and jagged fashion. 

 The sharp edges and pointed ends were particularly disastrous 

 to the carriers. Their wounds had to be treated, and this delayed 

 the marching to such an extent that the caravan became quite 

 * Inhabitants of Ruanda. 



