CHAPTER V. 



THE RAVINE DISTRICT. 



T 





MASAI WOMAN WITH 

 GOURD-BOTTLE. 



HE Ravine district includes the terri- 

 tory between Kikuyu and Kavirondo. 

 Nearlv half-way between the two 

 lies the Eldoma Ravine, where a 

 station has been built, called the Ravine 

 Station, which is now the headquarters of 

 the district. Between Kikuyu and the Eldoma 

 Ravine only wandering nomadic tribes are 

 met with. I have passed along this road 

 more than once without meeting a single 

 human being far or near, and at other 

 times 1 have found here crowds of natives 

 temporarily settled, scattered kraals, and vast 

 herds. 



Before the cart-road was laid down by 

 the late Captain Sclater, the transport of 

 goods from Fort Smith to the Ravine was no easy matter. 

 With perseverance the officer in charge of Kikuyu established 

 a regular service by means of Wakikuyu, more and more 

 of whom offered themselves as porters, till at last caravans 

 several hundred strong were constantly on the move along 

 the road. 



Prior to the days of the Protectorate, the Wakikuyu were 

 hostile and treacherous. It is only gradually that they have sub- 

 mitted to the inevitable, and have acknowledged the supremacy of 

 British rule. The Wakamba who fight with bows and arrows, 

 are on one side of them, and on the other are the Masai who 

 use spears and swords. The Wakikuyu have adopted both 

 methods of fighting. A group who visited my camp on my last 

 journey afford a good illustration. The Wakikuyu spear-head 



