The Ruwenzori Mountains 



the wind itself. Realising the cause in the fires made by 

 the porters, and the danger that threatened in their wake, 

 I and the cook (it's always " the cook " in Africa) who had 

 turned up at that moment, made the best of our way back 

 through the heather to encourage the men to reach the 

 green and open senecio zone, where the heather finishes 

 and beyond which the fire would be unlikely to spread. 



The porters, now realising their danger, clambered along 

 for all they were worth, and being lightly loaded managed 

 to reach safety. But only just in time, for shortly after- 

 wards the fire came roaring by, licking up the giant heathers 

 with flames that reached to twenty feet and more. It 

 spread, as I found out afterwards, right into the fields of 

 senecios and lobelias above us, leaving everything withered 

 and smoking ; the tall plant stalks alone remained, gaunt 

 and black against the sky. 



We came off lightly, considering the extent of the con- 

 flagration, with one carrier burnt, holes in various garments 

 and one butterfly-net damaged. 



It was now after 3 p.m. and what with the excitement 

 of the fire and the stiff climbing, the porters were tired out. 

 I therefore gave instructions to one of my headmen to 

 pitch the tents where we were amidst the senecios, and to 

 collect all the firewood available ; meanwhile, with the 

 guides, I determined to gain the last ridge that I knew must 

 now lie within reach. 



Accordingly I set out and whilst ascending the last slope, 

 known as Ulimbi, I was able to realise the full extent of the 

 recent fire, as I passed the blackened remains of what were, 

 a few hours since, glorious meadows of giant groundsels and 

 lobelias. However, I was soon over the burnt portion and 



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