130 FROM THE NIGER TO THE NILE 



Luckily it was here possible to observe to most of the hills 

 which had been visible from Mount Zogabi, though to the 

 north there were practically none, and all that could be done 

 in this direction was to observe to a low hill which was just 

 visible on the horizon. On the way down one of the carriers 

 let fall the theodohte, which, though badly broken, was yet 

 not so much damaged as might have been expected considering 

 that it fell from rock to rock for about 800 ft. The survey 

 work would thus have been brought to an abrupt conclusion, 

 if the leader of the Expedition had not had the forethought 

 to take out a reserve theodolite. 



The carriers below in the meantime had been in straits 

 about food. From Kwong, the first Kanuri town, some way 

 off, came back not only a refusal to sell but a most insulting 

 message. But the attitude of the King changed however on 

 our arrival when we could no longer be considered at a 

 safe distance. He hurried to forestall any punishment, 

 which he feared might be meted out to him for his 

 insolent message, by sending in a present of ten sheep for 

 which he refused any payment. 



On the road to Kwong the path was lined with baobab 

 trees of such tremendous girth that the one measuring 

 57 ft. at Gital would have seemed a mere baby in com- 

 parison with these giants. We also passed great fields 

 of indigo which was being gathered into huge heaps on 

 either side of our path. 



Outside Kwong were a great many dyeing-pits, each 

 covered with its Httle removable thatched roof. The inhabi- 

 tants of this town are very wealthy. They possess great 

 flocks of sheep and goats, and many clothes, and therefore 



