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CHAPTER IV. 



SEARCH FOR THE FALLS ON THE MAO KABI. 



(OCTOBER 25-NOVEMBER 1.) 



The Falls of the Mao Kabi have long been known 

 to exist, and are of considerable importance, for they 

 constitute the sole obstruction to canoe navigation 

 between Lere and the Tuburi lakes. Indeed, in the 

 whole distance from the Atlantic Ocean to the Shari 

 and Lake Chad they are the one insuperable barrier 

 to w^ater-transport, for beyond the lakes canoes can 

 pass even now at the height of the wet season, and 

 their passage will be further facilitated when the 

 canal that the French Authorities have in view has 

 been constructed. The territory in which they lie 

 has now been ceded to the Germans, but it retains 

 all its importance as a commercial route.^ 



It has been a matter of much speculation as to 

 whether the water of the Mao Kabi might not be 

 led round the Falls, into some quiet channel capable 

 of navigation. This idea has stimulated exploration, 

 and many efforts have been made to find the Falls, 

 but never with success. Those who have gone upon 



^ Since writing this I learn that the French prefer to bring their trade- 

 goods to Fort Lamy and other Chad stations by the Niger river, the Baro- 

 Kano railway, caravan to Zinder, and thus on through the French Sudan. 



