THE PASSAGE OP LAKE CHAD 103 



distant from the Lake, whicli has given the impression that 

 these determined a former shore Une. But I think that the 

 sole reason for their position is one of security, for, as there 

 are no containing banks, and the land and water almost 



LAKE CHAD. FAREWELL! 



level, the harmattan, which causes the water to flow 600 

 yards over the land with an ordinary wind, drives it as far 

 as two miles when the wind is strong. 



I was told by the Lowan of Kowa, which is situated five 

 miles from the Lake, that in a great flood twenty years ago, 

 the water had reached as far as the town, and in another 

 seven years ago, it had risen past it and covered the plain as 

 far as a place called Mongonnu. While the floods lasted, the 

 Budumas went up in their boats and estabhshed a fish 

 market just outside Kowa. 



Now on the eastern shore where there are good banks, 

 for the most part, and the water is not influenced by the 

 prevailing wind, there are many villages close to the Lake. 



