-* Masai-Nyika 



they remain hard and dry, when suddenly a mighty fall 

 of rain transforms them into rushing torrents, which the 

 caravan will most probably find an insuperable obstacle 

 to its progress. 



When these desert regions lie in bright and beautiful 

 sunlight, and the eye can see a vast stretch of country, 



A BIT OF THE SO-CALLED THORNY "FRUIT GARDEN" VELT 



the traveller is seized with a great sense of freedom, 

 and a longing to explore and investigate. 



Even the experienced eye is easily deceived with 

 regard to distance in this riot of dazzling light. Thus 

 I found that, where Oskar Baumann pointed out the 

 Kiniarok Lake in the Nyika, there was only barren desert, 

 and I had to retrace my steps hastily, in order to save 

 my people and myself from perishing of thirst. . . . But 



55 



