SPORT IN MOZAMBIQUE 



disturbed by reports of a flood up-stream, asks 

 permission to go and see what has happened to his 

 property. I consent and arrange to meet at the 

 mouth of the Urema, where I descend to await him, 

 for the muddy water of the river and the swarms of 

 mosquitos frequenting its water-plants render sojourn 

 here by no means agreeable. 



The day after our return to the Mediguedigue the 

 rain recommenced and the waters rise ; the game has 

 disappeared, but the fish increase daily. Among the 

 most curious species, I obtain a kind of spotted cat- 

 fish, the famous tiger-fish, so powerfully armed with 

 teeth, as well as specimens of carps, roaches, * perches, 

 etc. I also kill for my collection the beautiful river 

 kingfisher, a bird of the size of a sparrow, violet and 

 blue, with, on its crown, a tuft of feathers resembling 

 a Louis XVI knot. 



The rain does not cease, the river continues to rise 

 and bursts its banks. On the 17th of February, in 

 the midst of this alarming flood, I send the cook and 

 my two best boatmen in a canoe to search for means 

 of replenishing our stock of meal in the villages on the 

 left bank. 



They had gone two hours, when there arises a ter- 

 rific storm of wind ; and driven by the blast, the 

 waters invade the banks. The river covers more than 

 six miles. Being unwilling to remain in the stream 



1 These names must be used in a general sense : there are no true 

 roach in Africa. [Ed.] 



(148) 



