TAUFIKIA 77 



generally provided with a line to pull it back with. A 

 line of grass moves. It is obviously not the wind, as 

 that would cause a movement over the whole surface ; 

 so the spear is driven in, and one in about twenty 

 throws secures the fish so betrayed. 



Taufikia was soon reached. It was not then, as 

 now, a tin-built town. There were a few houses built 

 of red brick standing. Others, also of red brick, were 

 not. Most of these buildings up the river, owing to 

 a dearth of officers no doubt, were built without any 

 proper superintendence. The result was that, even in 

 black cotton soil, the foundations were but a few 

 inches below ground. Seeing, however, that the head- 

 quarters at Khartum of the department responsible for 

 them is also in need of struts to prevent its falling, 

 one need not be surprised at wrecks so far south. 

 One buys experience. 



I had to wait for the Mudir, who returned from an 

 exploring trip up the Bahr el Zeraf some days after 

 my arrival. He had been sent to discover " Baker's 

 passage" between that river and the Bahr el Jebel. 

 Having little sympathy with the quest, and much 

 unpleasant experience with the "sudd," he failed. 

 Shortly afterwards the passage was re-discovered. 



While at Taufikia I spent my spare time chasing 

 the wily spur-winged goose — other game there was 

 none. I went a couple of times to the American 

 Mission at Doleib, where at the time only the doctor 

 and his wife — most charming hosts — were present. 



Without in the least wishing to question the methods 

 of a most devoted class of people, for it may be that 



