Chapter III. 



very considerai )le size. The principal species are acacia, 

 mimosa, euphorbia, erithryna, and spathodea, both these last 

 Avitli brilliant scarlet flowers. 



At the foot of these trees, among the brushwood and low 

 plants, is nearly always to be found one of those curious cones 

 constructed by termites which characterize all Central African 

 landscapes. It would seem as if some reason must exist for 

 their invariable connection with these isolated groups of trees. 

 Possibly the termites, by collecting earth in one spot, favour 

 tlie development of bushes and creeping plants, which in their 

 turn serve to shelter the growth of some forest tree until its 

 roots are firmly established in the soil. 



The forest zones in the valleys along the brooks are 

 real oases of virgin forest. The luxuriant trees over a 

 hundred feet high, diverse species of acacias, majestic palms 

 (Borassus and llaphia), cassia and dracsena, are overgrown with 

 climbing plants, and entwined with tlie long ropes of giant 

 lianas. Troops of monkeys are frequently seen leaping from 

 brandi to Inaiicli witli slirill cries. The white-tailed Colobus is 

 the commonest species. The forest soil, even on days of blazing 

 suiisliine, remains damp and elastic. Oft' the path tlie whole 

 ground is one carpet of deep moss. 



The contrast with the open tracts enhances the charm of the 

 forests. After crossing a slope scorched by the sun, the 

 traveller enters into the profound shade heavy with the 

 perfumes of acacia, mimosa, jasmine, and honeysuckle. 



The district is fairlv populous, but the iuhal)itants are so 

 hidden away among their banana groves and impenetrable 

 grasses that it is possible to pass (juite close to villages 

 without noticing them. They consist of clusters of huts 

 usually situated half-wav u[) a hill, suiTOimded by tufts of 



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