USOGA 8i 



for the future by sprouting six to ten young trees from the soil 

 in a narrow circle around it. The shade of the bananas helps 

 to keep down the rank weeds. A little labour keeps the planta- 

 tion clean and sweet ; and the soft, juicy stem of the banana- 

 tree can be felled by a single blow from a bill-hook, wherever a 

 superabundance of young trees necessitates their being thinned, 

 or an old tree which has yielded its bunch of fruit requires to be 

 removed. 



The well-known grey parrot with the red tail was originally 

 found on the west coast of Africa ; but when caravans brought 

 these birds to the east coast, it was discovered that Usoga was 

 also their habitat. Thev can be seen by the score flying from 

 tree to tree, or screaming overhead as they wing their noisy 

 flight in search of change of scene. 



Resting on soft grass-mats under the fitful play of the trem- 

 bling shadows on the clean-swept ground ; catching the soft breeze 

 gently whispering amongst the rustling leaves of the bananas ; 

 listening to the distant sough of the mighty forest giants which 

 stretch a hundred leafy arms towards heaven ; comfortably and 

 cleanly dressed in simple white clothing ; with a mind at rest 

 from worldly cares, owing to the simple wants of this primitive 

 existence being abundantly provided for by Nature ; with flower- 

 ing shrubs perfuming the air, inquisitive monkeys peeping 

 among the foliage, lovely butterflies floating silently from flower 

 to flower, pretty birds skimming past, is like having a passing 

 glimpse of Paradise on earth. 



Even under the prosaic verandah of the unromantic station 

 at Luba's, the companion of my first journey was so impressed 

 by the balmy air, the peaceful stillness, the lovely view, that he 

 said to me : " What a place to dream away a year or two of one's 

 existence ! " He was a brave major, and had many a sanguinary 

 fight to go through later on, but, like myself, he was enjoying the 

 momentary rest and peace before the busy days of a stirring life 

 hustled us again hither and thither. 



Usoga is separated from Uganda by the Victoria Nile. 

 Luba's is situated on the lake, and the traveller here has the 

 first view of Uganda in the distance. The name Luba is familiar 

 to all who have read of Bishop Hannington's murder. It is a 

 pity that the unfortunate bishop made the great mistake of 

 insisting on entering Uganda via Usoga, in direct opposition to 

 a popular superstition, according to which the future conquerors 



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