Chapter II. 



to the north-east. The railway descends nearly 2,000 feet to 

 reach the bottom of this valley, whicli is about 30 miles wide, 

 and is dotted with tiny volcanoes, some active, others extinct. 

 Lakes and ponds of sweet or salt water swarm with every 

 sj^ecies of aquatic bird, and the abundant water-courses make 

 tliis one of the most fertile regions in Africa, as well as one of 

 the most famous hunting grounds. 



After Nairobi the line crosses districts inhal)ited by the 

 Wa-Kikuyu, agricultuial and sedentary tribes ; and by the 

 Masai, nomads and herdsmen, great breeders of cattle and bold 

 warriors, who stopped the progress of many an explorer of old. 

 Tbe Masai as a race are finely proportioned, with a proud, fierce 



OFF lasiXOA ISLAND. 



mien and i-ather regular features, except the ears, wliicli are 

 unrecognizable, so deformed are tliey by absurd and voluminous 

 ornaments. Tlie women wear also licavv long copper spirals 



42 



