LAKE RUDOLPH 257 



for ages, and in some parts was worn down into the solid rock 

 like a little cutting. Farther on we had to leave it, as it kept 

 too much to the right, probably leading to Kulale, and our 

 difficulties became greater. Constantly descending, we got 

 among still more terribly rugged hills, full of kloofs and chasms, 

 the tops flanked by red precipices and the valleys full of 

 boulders from top to bottom. The formation is a marvellous 

 jumble of different kinds of rocks, chucked about in chaotic 

 confusion. By the third day we had reached a very much 



First Peep of Bassu from the South. 



(P'rom a Photograph by the Author.) 



lower level, and it was getting much hotter, while the vegetation 

 became scantier and drier. We had to climb over dividing 

 ridges and through narrow ravines, picking our way among the 

 fallen rocks, which caused much trouble to those in charge of 

 the donkeys, overthrowing loads, and cutting their packs. 



At last, on the afternoon of 4th December, on getting on to 

 a rough, irregular sort of plateau, we came in sight of Bassu 

 (Lake Rudolph) ; and a fine sight it was, looking blue like the 

 sea. Beyond the island, near the south end, its waters stretched 

 dimly northward until lost in haze. In one or two places 



S 



