A Thousand Miles in a Machilla 



unknown in these parts. I need hardly add that 

 this particular district was free from **fly." 



We left Meramana about 8 a.m. next morning, 

 and reached Zomba by i p.m. — good going, as the 

 distance is about twenty-five miles; we went direct 

 to the Mandala store, near which place we hoped 

 to camp. 



The station of Zomba is delightfully situated on 

 the southern slope of the mountain of that name, 

 at an average altitude of three thousand seven 

 hundred feet, and is divided into a military settle- 

 ment and civil settlement. In the former, which 

 lies to the westward, are the barracks of the battalion 

 of King's African Rifles and of the detachment of 

 Sikhs quartered in Nyasaland, with parade ground 

 and rifle range, officers' bungalows, and club-house. 

 In the latter are the Government offices, the resi- 

 dences of the officials, and church. Between the 

 two is situated the Government House, with its 

 glorious view — one of the best in Africa — its well- 

 kept grounds, with great clumps of bamboos. 



The stores and the shops kept by Indian traders, 

 of whom there are a considerable number, are at a 

 lower level and border the high road. 



There is an abundant supply of excellent water, 

 which runs down the mountain side and frequently 

 gives rise to miniature waterfalls and cascades often 

 by the public pathways. The hills are dotted with 

 picturesque bungalows, half-hidden among trees. 

 Vegetation is luxuriant, the gardens are full of 

 flowers, vegetables, and fruit; mangoes, pawspaws, 

 and pineapples were just ripe. 



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