In the Volcanic Region 121 



inch or so long can be found in the lower. On the other hand 

 clawed toads (Xenopus spec.^ are uncommonly numerous in both 

 lakes ; they serve the people as food and are to be met with 

 in large quantities in all the huts, packed into baskets, alive 

 and dead. I found, too, a heap of wooden staves, about half 

 a metre in length, between which the toads were squeezed to 

 dry them, lying under one another, parallel, in twenties. Near 

 by I found a busy hive of snare-basket makers fashioning pots 

 for catching prawns. These little crayfish (a species of caridind) 

 are found in large numbers in the lower lake, and the lake- 

 dwellers have a great partiality for them. Lake Luhondo 

 abounds in reeds and rushes, and its surface is enlivened by a 

 large variety of ducks. 



As we stayed there for several days we had some time to 

 devote to ethnographical study, and were able to supplement 

 our Ruanda collection very considerably. 



The inhabitants on the borders of both lakes are of a 

 fractious disposition and give the Residency a good deal of 

 trouble. The Resident, therefore, has to keep a watchful eye on 

 this district, and has often been compelled to resort to energetic 

 measures in order to maintain the authority which it is imperative 

 to uphold. 



The boats used on the lake are built very low, and are very 

 fragile, with practically no gunwale. Great care is therefore 

 necessary to retain the balance. Raven met with a very 

 unpleasant experience in this respect. Whilst shooting at a 

 duck he lost his equilibrium, and capsized with his gun, 

 cartridges and oarsmen. His rain-cloak, however, which was 

 made of " continental " balloon material, kept him afloat on 

 the water, and blew out like a bell. The rifle, which lay softly 

 embedded in the slimy bottom, was brought to light from the 

 watery depths with miraculous swiftness by the skilful diving 

 of his oarsmen. 



Unfortunately Grawert took his leave of us here in order 

 to return to Usambura on receiving news of the illness of one 

 of his officers. It was with deep regret that we saw him depart. 

 Q 



