CHIEFS AND CITIES OF 

 CENTRAL AFRICA. 



CHAPTEK I. 



THE NIGER AND BENUE. 



(AUGUST 10-SEPTEMBER 29.) 



A FLAT, long coast heavy with forest, and in the 

 middle a brown plain of muddy water racing to 

 the sea. 



Thus did the Niger appear from the deck of a 

 little paddle - boat as it throbbed its way up the 

 river. 



Thick jungle grew on either side, broken by plant- 

 ations of yams, cassavas, and bananas. Cotton-trees 

 and palms rose up from amongst them, interspersed 

 with forest trees that flamed with brilliant scarlet 

 blossoms. Creepers hung in a matted tangle, and 

 exquisite orchids amongst them. Dead trees, their 

 bare limbs white with a cloud of egrets, lent variety 

 to the scene ; for at this season of high flood little 

 wild life was visible except an occasional fish-eagle 

 or pelican. 



Amid these sights and sounds it was hard to realise 



