HUNTING AND HUNTED IN BELGIAN CONGO 



trees growing on either side of the stream. The rest 

 of the structure is of the same materials as the suspension 

 cables, interwoven with giant tendrils, sticks and grass, 

 with hand-rails of monkey ropes by which the timorous 

 traveller steadies his progress across the flimsy structure, 

 often at a great height from the water. It is somewhat 

 similar to the rope bridges one sees in remote corners 

 of the old country. The experience is trying to a degree, 

 and should two people cross at the same time, the whole 

 thing sways and almost takes the feet from under you. 

 Other bridges are supported on poles and held in position 

 against the current by ropes of vine and creeper con- 

 nected with the banks ; reeds, grass and branches fixed 

 with bark strips and grass cord are employed in their 

 construction. 



There was one of great length over the Kembe 

 supported on poles and branches firmly sunk in the 

 river bed, with guy ropes of grass and creeper woven 

 together leading from the centre of the bridge to either 

 bank holding it against the strong force of the stream. 



In the country to the west of the Divide, towards 

 the M'Bomuthe, people have a very curious method of 

 smelting and forging iron. The bellows consisted of 

 two crucibles of clay or wood, not unlike flower pots in 

 shape, but inverted. These stood on the ground, and 

 over the top of each a piece of skin or banana leaf was 

 loosely stretched. In the centre of this covering a stick 

 was fastened, and these sticks when worked up and 

 down alternately created a draught which was led to 

 the furnace through a pipe of clay or hollowed stone. It 

 was necessary to have two separate pots or crucibles 

 because there is no clack-valve on these primitive 

 bellows. The air is sucked in by the same channel 

 through which it is afterwards delivered. 



Travellers in the Congo should, if possible, carry a 

 few loads of soft iron, for the natives in certain places 



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