The Eastern Congo 



found in the neighbourhood ; these were located around 

 the sources of the smaller streams, in the folds of the hills, 

 and also on the borders of the lakelets of this interesting region. 

 For the most part the eastern side of the Ruchuru valley 

 is covered with luxuriant elephant-grass and low bush. The 

 river itself, which has its main source in Lake Mutanda, 

 runs swiftly at the very foot of the grass-covered spurs of the 

 Kasali mountains, first through the rough lava blocks from 

 Namlagira, then out into the lacustrine plains of Lake Edward. 



Having crossed the Congo-Nile water-parting over the 

 Virunga mountains, the sudden change in the insect-fauna on 

 the Nile slope is most marked, for here one finds entirely 

 different species of insects, some of which I had not seen for 

 months past — since leaving Lake Tanganyika, in fact ! The 

 division is definite but comparatively few miles in width, 

 a narrow boundary where the steppe region ends and the 

 intermediate forest and grass area begins. 



The panoramic view, to be obtained from Ruchuru, of 

 the Virunga volcanoes is one of the most imposing bits of 

 scenery to be seen anywhere in Africa. From here these 

 eight giants line across the landscape in imposing array, 

 commanding the attention of all beholders and the admiration 

 of the most phlegmatic. This was the last view we had of 

 them, for on leaving Ruchuru the traveller to Lake Edward 

 descends rapidly to the plains and the greater portion of 

 the range is then hidden from view. This last view, however, 

 does the volcanoes ample justice, and one leaves them with 

 the firm conviction that the stupendous forces that now lie 

 dormant have by no means reached their last effort, but are 

 preparing a holocaust that will convulse the district yet 

 again in a giant upheaval. 



lOO 



