568 THE KAFUE. Chap. XXVHI. 



of the soil and pasturage, and Sekwebu expatiated with great 

 eloquence on the capabilities of this part for supplying the wants 

 of the Makololo. There is certainly abundance of room at present 

 in the country for thousands and thousands more of population. 



We passed near the Losito, a former encampment of the 

 Matebele, with whom Sekwebu had lived. At the sight of the 

 bones of the oxen they had devoured, and the spot where savage 

 dances had taken place, though all deserted now, the poor fellow 

 burst out into a wild Matebele song. He pointed out also a 

 district about two days and a half west of Semalembue, where 

 Sebituane had formerly dwelt. There is a hot fountain on the 

 hills there, named " Nakalombo," which may be seen at a 

 distance, emitting steam. "There," said Sekwebu, "had your 

 Molekane (Sebituane) been alive, he would have brought you to 

 live with him. You would be on the bank of the river, and by 

 taking canoes you would at once sail down to the Zambesi and 

 visit the white people at the sea." 



This part is a favourite one with the Makololo, and probably it 

 would be a good one in which to form a centre of civilization. 

 There is a large flat district of country to the north, said to be 

 peopled by the Bashukulompo and other tribes, who cultivate the 

 ground to a great extent, and raise vast quantities of grain, 

 ground-nuts, sweet potatoes, &c. They also grow sugar-cane. If 

 they were certain of a market, I believe they would not be unwill- 

 ing to cultivate cotton too, but they have not been accustomed to 

 the peaceful pursuits of commerce. All are fond of trade, but 

 they have been taught none, save that in ivory and slaves. 



The Kafue enters a narrow gorge close by the village of 

 Semalembue ; as the hill on the north is called Bolengwe, I apply 

 that name to the gorge (lat. 15° 48' 19" S., long. 28° 22' E.). 

 Semalembue said, that he ought to see us over the river, so he 

 accompanied us to a pass about a mile south of his village, and 

 when we entered among the hills, we found the ford of the 

 Kafue. On parting with Semalembue I put on him a shirt, and 

 he went away with it apparently much delighted. 



The ford was at least 250 yards broad, but rocky and shallow. 

 After crossing it in a canoe we went along the left bank, and 

 were completely shut in by high lulls. Every available spot 

 between the river and the hills is under cultivation; and the 

 residence of the people here is intended to secure safety for 



