It is a rather hilly district, the altitude ranging character OF 

 from 5,000 to 6,800 feet. The temperature, which of the country. 

 course varies according to the elevation, seldom rises 

 above 85 degrees Farenheit in the shade by day, or 

 falls below 50 degrees by night. The scenery is very 

 attractive, verdant green valleys with numerous 

 streams marked by heavily timbered banks running 

 between hills lightly covered with a variety of wattle. 

 The climate is healthy : Fort Ternan being above the 

 malarial belt. 



The average annual rainfall is 64 inches; the rainfall and 

 rainy season lasting from April to September, with water, 

 showers at short intervals during the remaining 

 months of the year. The whole district is verv well 

 watered by numerous small but permanent streams, 

 and many springs coming out of the hills, some of 

 which continue to run all the year round. All the 

 streams are swift, and have falls and rapids at fre- 

 quent intervals, so that water power for plantation 

 purposes is easily obtained. 



The soil in the valleys is extremely fertile. It soil and 

 varies somewhat in character, but is mostly deep timber. 

 loam, the forest land being particularly rich and well 

 repaying the cost of clearing. Timber for rough 

 farm buildings and fuel is in abundance. 



The hbour supplv obtainable from the adjoininn; LABOUR. 

 Lumbwa Reserve and the Kavirondo Reserve within 

 a davs' journey, is more than adeci'.iate to meet the 

 present requirements of the district, and should meet 

 all the demands likely to be made on it for some years 

 to come. The Walumbwa are always ready to come 

 and "squat" on European owned farms, providing 

 labour in return for the privilege. This is a cheap 

 and convenient arrangement for the planter, as it 

 provides him with extra labour at short notice in busy 

 times, as for instance, during the coflFee picking 

 season, when a plentiful supply of labour is of the 

 first importance. The rate of wages for squatters is 

 Rs. 3/- per month for men and "posho" (food), the 

 women and children working for food only. The rate 

 of pay for casual labourers is Rs. 4/- to Rs. 6/- and 

 posho. In addition to settlements of Walumbwa, 

 there are also considerable numbers of Wakikuyu 

 squatting on the farms under the same conditions. 



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