Chapter II. 



of a numerous caravan of porters were required to cover this 

 ground. 



The construction of this railway was a truly great work, 

 owino- to the serious obstacles which had to be overcome. It 



C5 



stands as a witness to splendid perseverance and resolution in 

 an incessant struggle for six years against the gravest difficulties. 

 Vast tracts of the country are absolutely lacking in water or 

 resources, and, in fact, practically a desert. A great part of the 

 way passes over mountains where the line rises to a height 

 of 7,700 feet, descends to 6,000, and mounts again to 8,300, 

 only to drop down to 3,700 on the shore of the lake. 



KISUMU MARKET. 



No liei]) was forthcoming from tlie natives, mere naked 

 savages, devoid of industry or skill, incapable of work in any 

 shape whatsoever. It was necessai-y to transport an army of 



38 



