THE SURVEY CONTINUED 129 



on one side, while it almost overhung a steep slope on the 

 other. This ridge was the only remaining part of the crater 

 lip, which had entirely broken down elsewhere. On the 



A BAOBAB TKEE 



further side, the hill descended almost as steeply till about 

 half way, where it broadened into a circular plateau %vith a 

 Httle lake from which it again fell in a rapid slope to the 

 plain below. One or two personal attendants stayed with me 

 on the ridge for the five days necessary to complete observa- 

 tions, while the others went down to the foot. Up there 

 we had some uncomfortable moments, as a tornado raged 

 every day from the north, and I was continually expecting 

 the tent and its occupant to be blown over the other side. 

 I I 



