In the Volcanic Region 141 



undertake a searching zoological and botanical investigation of 

 the whole volcanic chain. After paying a visit to the Batwa, 

 Czekanowski was to follow our route via Busuenda. 



Kirschstein's special work was also now commencing. Wiese, 

 Raven, Grauer and I wished to accompany him in the ascent 

 of Mikeno and Namlagira, to proceed later to the Belgian station 

 of Rutschuru, and then on to Lake Albert Edward. We hoped 

 to establish friendly relations there with the Belgian officers, 

 and thereby smooth the way for those following us. Our meet- 

 ing point later on was settled for Kasindi, at the northern end 

 of Lake Albert Edward, on Christmas Eve. 



It was a curious coincidence that a few days earlier Lieu- 

 tenant Knecht, the meritorious chief of the Kissenji station, 

 should have received his recall home. His relief had already 

 arrived in the person of Lieutenant Keil. So we had a general 

 leave-taking at the border of the Kissenji district, everyone 

 wishing everyone else a prosperous journey and happy return 

 home. 



At the top of the pass we turned and sent a farewell greet- 

 ing to this ideally situated spot of German territory where we 

 had spent so many memorable hours, and then marched forward 

 into the Congo State. 



Wiese, Raven, Kirschstein, Grauer and I, as well as Weide- 

 mann and Czeczatka, to whom the supervision of the caravans 

 at the camp was made over during our excursion on Mikeno and 

 Namlagira, pitched our tents at Burunga, a " permanent " Belgian 

 post at the foot of Mikeno, a halting-place on the great Uvira- 

 Bobandana-Rutschuru road. These Belgian etapfes are most 

 comfortably organised. There are thatched roofs resting on 

 four corner posts under which the tents may be set up. They 

 afford coolness in great heat and form a perfect cover in a 

 downpour of rain. At one end of the quarters there is an 

 elevated banda for meals, the position being so chosen that a 

 splendid view may be enjoyed. There is even a tariff-table of 

 food and beverages, which may be obtained from the camp- 



