328 BUFI TO RUMBEK. 



places the grass had been burnt down, and red sand-patches 

 stretched out before us, blackened by ashes and charcoal. In 

 some places, also, we noticed grass stubble which had been left 

 standing, and masses of yellow withered leaves scattered over 

 the ground or still hanging to the twigs of trees. 



A sudden rainfall compelled us to camp in the small village of 

 Joro, the huts of which occupied a small clearing in the wood. 

 Some of them were built upon the ground, others upon plat- 

 forms. The space underneath the platforms is much sought 

 after on account of the shade it provides, and all house-work 

 is performed there. The men also assemble there to chat 

 with the women, who, as in all Mittu tribes, possess a con- 

 siderable amount of independence. I again noticed the lip 

 ornaments, the quartz cones, as well as the formidable naked 

 knives hanging to the waist-belts of the women, who were all 

 nude and very fat. A small hill, Dogrupatara, about 150 feet 

 high, lies near the village. On climbing it I obtained a view 

 of high rolling ground and a great number of small mounds 

 and rocks. The course of the Yalo, with its western bend, 

 was also well seen. The most noteworthy heights which 

 caught the eye were Jebel Gurken (Dokavuru of the Lesi) and 

 Jebel Khartum, which had been noticed by previous travellers. 

 The former of these mountains is a slightly extended range of 

 hills, about 250 feet high, having, especially upon its northern 

 side, conspicuously bare cliffs. Jebel Khartum, or, to give it 

 its proper name, Jebel Nyedi, is a hilly plateau ; it is called 

 by the Lesi, Dobrato. 



On returning from my walk I had the unexpected pleasure 

 of catching a specimen of the mole-mouse (Georychus), which 

 appeared to be taking its evening promenade, and by whetting 

 its teeth against one another and softly hissing, it prepared to 

 defend itself. Its very small eyes were at the same time com- 

 pletely shut, giving a peculiar appearance to its large head. 

 The little animal, with its ornamental silver grey fur, the white 

 spot upon its forehead, and its soft hair, is very attractive. It 

 comes far oftener into daylight than the mole, which it appears 

 to replace here. 



The huts of the village of Eengo, which lie at the foot of 

 Jebel Nyedi, differ somewhat from others by having the points 



