UP THE GONGOLA RIVER TO ASHAKA 147 



from the shoulder, 16 ft. 4 in. from fore-foot to tip of nose 

 stretched out, and length of tail 2 ft. 7^ in. 



On this journey he passed through a town called Bashar, 

 which he described as a perfectly dehghtful place, situated on 

 a hill with a magnificent view to the north and west. It is 



GOSLING S GIEAFFE 



surrounded by a wall, and ripening millet was growing right 

 up to the city gate, and beyond there were broad fields of 

 guinea-corn, where the women, among whom were the king's 

 two wives, made a pretty sight, perched up in the trees, 

 scaring away the birds. Within there were little patches of 

 crops, water-pools and trees, scattered huts and compounds, 

 and the king's palace with a wall and imposing gateway, 

 near to which Goshng camped. The king, who was charming, 

 sent a present of chickens, onions, and fresh milk from his 

 only cow and a large amoimt of meal for the " boys." Out- 

 side the palace gateway were two huge stones, each weighing 

 a ton, and facing east and west, on which the king was wont 

 to sit morning and afternoon basking in the sun. 



From Bashar Gosling went by Sliumar to Gudu, where a 



