THE TANGANYIKA BASIN. 273 



within the crescent formed by the north-westerly 

 trend of the Kiriba chain lay an intricate mass of 

 little hills and valleys, which ended suddenly in 

 the flat thorn- tree, valley of the Kusige. The 

 steepness and intricacy of these little hills we had 

 oppportunities of experiencing somewhat severely 

 during the next two days. Starting again on our 

 way down the mountains we plunged into a dense 

 forest, and in the course of probably less than two 

 miles descended 2,250 feet. We found ourselves 

 then in a banana grove, at the level of the smaller 

 hills alluded to. At first every one tied, but after 

 cajoling and coaxing a brave but very insufficiently 

 clothed old man to be our messenger, the young 

 chief Maboko appeared, and hearing that we 

 would not allow Mwesi's men to accompany us, 

 he became quite enthusiastic and we had dances 

 and singing. 



Enormous pots of banana beer were brought to 

 us, and small jars of palm oil. My men had a big 

 drink, and were all as happy as possible. 



The people here belong to a chief called 

 Kilimanyambi, who is almost or quite indepen- 

 dent of Mwesi. It is a very rich district, and 

 densely peopled. It consists of an enormous 

 number of little steep hills with quantities of 

 banana groves, and in the lower valleys many oil- 

 palms. Above these smaller hills rises the steep 

 Kiriba ridge, which is on this western side covered 

 with dense forest. It is full of running streams, 



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