Chap. XII. EIYER DOOYA. 231 



east over tlie open grass-land of Otando. About 

 seven miles from Mayolo vre ascended a high hill, 

 part of an elevated ridge, called Nomba Obana ; from 

 its summit a beautiful view is obtained towards the 

 west, as far as the dividing range between Otando 

 and Ashira ; on the eastern side an equally exten- 

 sive prospect opeus out towards the higher ranges, 

 amongst which dwell the Ishogo, the Ashango, and 

 other tribes ; but directly east there was a gap in 

 the range, for north and south the mountains were 

 higher. The continuous forest which clothed the 

 hills, green on the nearer ranges and shading off to 

 misty blue on the distant ones, gave an air of solitude 

 to the scene. The eastern slope of Nomba Obana 

 was precipitous, and red sandstone rocks lay about in 

 wild confusion. 



In the valley were the ruins of a village that had 

 been abandoned by Mayolo. This was the second 

 village he had abandoned within less than two years. 

 If any one dies, Mayolo immediately moves off, say- 

 ing that the place is bewitched. 



About three miles east of Nomba Obana we crossed 

 a small river called Dooya. It was fordable at this 

 season, but during the rains it must be a considerable 

 stream. Marching onwards, always in an easterly 

 direction, we arrived, at half-past four, at the vil- 

 lao-e of the Apono chief Nchiengain, which is called 

 Mouendi. The territory of the Apono tribe lies chiefly 

 to the south-east of this place. 



We halted before entering the village, at the re- 

 quest of Mayolo, to arrange the order of going in, for 

 it was necessary to avoid anything that might give 



