The Luambwa to the Difuna River 



On the road we met some wild looking men 

 whose only garment consisted of a piece of bark 

 cloth. This cloth was a good deal used in the 

 neighbourhood. It is said to last only a short 

 time. 



We were in some anxiety respecting Maso, who 

 failed to turn up, but hoped he had taken shelter 

 in a village. Although, as far as we knew, there 

 were no lions or leopards in these parts, there were 

 probably hyenas, and these animals when hungry 

 are dangerous brutes to tackle. It frequently 

 happens that natives lying asleep get badly bitten in 

 the face. Towards nightfall it began to rain heavily, 

 and continued all night. 



We woke up on the 27th to find ourselves 

 surrounded by a thick Scotch mist, which delayed 

 our departure until 7 a.m. Our route, following the 

 course of the Mua river (probably the Kiamanda 

 marked on the map), ascended gradually to its 

 marshy head waters. We camped about noon in 

 a bit of dry forest not far from a small village, the 

 last on the north side of the hills. 



The scenery was fine. The forest-covered hill- 

 sides, tall trees in beautiful foliage, quick-running 

 streams of clear water, bogs, rocks, and abundance 

 of wild flowers reminded us of Scotland. Fir trees 

 and heather were alone wanting to complete the 

 resemblance. 



Before starting that morning A had sent 



Roberti back to take charge of Maso and bring him 

 on so soon as he was fit to travel. Natives are 

 curious creatures, and, like animals, have very little 



22-^ 



