72 MATABELE LAND. 
delays must be expected, and are often very vexa- 
tious." 
On the 7th of October Frank Oates started on 
his projected expedition in the north-east, on which 
he was absent from Inyati in all about seven weeks. 
The district traversed during his absence was that 
watered by the Gwailo and Umvungu Rivers, the 
furthest point reached being the Umgwanya. The 
circumstances of the first few days of these wander- 
ings may be recounted in his own words as follows, 
taken from his Journal : — 
" October Jt/i. — Sultry, oppressive day ; very 
cloudy. Packed waggon, and left Inyati about 
4 P.M. We passed through bush country, with 
fine open level spaces, which would be excellent 
riding ground ; some fine old baobab trees in the 
distance exactly like oaks, with gnarled crooked 
arms. These trees have dark green foliage, and 
here and there stand almost isolated. Close ; a 
very disagreeable smell frequent, Hendrik says of 
black ants. Now and then sweet perfumes from 
flowering shrubs. . . . As it got dark we out- 
spanned about 7 P.M., having water for our own 
use in our casks. A large group of men round the 
fire. We had come perhaps nine miles. 
" October 8th. — Mild, cloudy, breezy morning. 
Crossed the dry beds of two small rivers (branches 
of the Lelongwe), with a kraal placed between them ; 
the ground level so far. Men bring ostrich eggs; 
women bring Indian and Kafir corn and beans. 
Bought the upper mandible of an eagle from the 
