Gorilla Hunting 



or gUe called Kibati, distant about two miles from the foot 

 of the famous volcano. Here we found it necessary to wait 

 one day to arrange for a supply of food and water for our 

 carriers, and also to obtain guides. Water is a scarce com- 

 modity in all such extensive lava-fields as that in which 

 Kibati is situated, owing to the porous nature of the lava- 

 bed. The natives in the vicinity are in the habit of using 

 bent banana leaves to catch rain water, otherwise they would 

 have to visit the lake daily, a distance of eleven miles, for 

 their supplies. 



Kibati, which stands close to the boundary, and over- 

 looking what once was German territory, is in a way note- 

 worthy, for from this place General Tombeur started his 

 campaign against the Germans. As range upon range of 

 inhospitable mountains confront the spectator, one can well 

 imagine the stout heart of the Belgian commander failing 

 him at such a prospect. Here too, in the little cemetery, 

 many Belgians sleep well amongst the geraniums, telling 

 the tale of the first clash of conflict. 



The following morning there was again a delay of several 

 hours for more water, some of our carriers having to go all 

 the way to the lake to obtain it ; thus the morning was well 

 advanced before we eventually got off. At length, however, 

 we moved forward to our goal and soon found ourselves 

 entering the tangled growth of the foot-hills and breasting 

 the outer bastions of the great pile, thick with tropical foliage. 

 Very soon the track steepened to a stiff climb, for the most 

 part along old elephant paths, evidences of which could be seen 

 on either hand in the shape of upturned trees and broken 

 branches. After three hours' steady chmbing, the first signs 

 of a change in the vegetation were to be discerned, shrub-like 



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