Diary of Birds seen on the White Nile. 185


did not improve matters. Among the huts I saw several Cape

Doves (CEna capcnsis'). These very beautiful birds were quite

tame, and I could not help feeling how very desirable they would

be in an aviary ; they are of small size and exquisite colouring.

Here again the English chimney Swallows were present in large

numbers. We had hoped to arrive at Gondokoro to-night, but,

owing to the presence of sand-banks and shallows, we were

unable to do so. The stream is rapid and strong here, and it

was necessary to have natives wading in front of the boat to

find the channel. Often, we had to wind ourselves up on our

anchor as the only method of getting up stream. Finally, we

tied np for the night, a few miles South of Eado.


Feb. 14th. We reached Gondokoro, the northernmost

station of Uganda, at eight a.m., after dancing about from shore

to saud-bank for some three hours or more. The place is prettily

situated and well laid out. There are several palms about, The

river here separates Uganda on the eastern bank from the Soudan

on the western. In Gondokoro are many well-built brick houses

belonging to Indian and other merchants, in one of which I was

shown 150 fine Elephant tusks which had just arrived from the

surrounding neighbourhood. Some hills are visible from here,

and the atmosphere, though hot, is fresh, and there is a pleasant

breeze blowing. The river from Gondokoro to Rejaf is pic¬

turesque. The channel is shallow and rocky, and there are

several islands about. The stream is swift, and it took us five

hours to steam the eleven miles between the two places. Several

small streams flow into the river. They are very rocky and are

suggestive of Scotch salmon rivers. Here I was lucky in seeing

some specimens of the Stanley Crane (Grtis -paradiseal). I under¬

stand this bird is seldom met with so far north, so this is pro¬

bably the extreme limit of its range. The country round Rejaf

is fairly well wooded, and there is a graceful hill at the back of

the station. The place stands high and affords some good views

over Uganda and the Eado Enclave. We remained here all

night ; the atmosphere was most refreshing after our journey

through the sudd, and the only disturbing element was the

occasional howl of a Hyaena.


(To be co?itinnedJ .



