288 LIVINGSTONE'S LAST JOURNALS. [Chap. XL 



over the invaders, drove theni off with heavy loss. Their 

 formation is universally ascribed to the Deity. This may 

 mean that the present inhabitants have succeeded the 

 original burrowing race, which dug out many caves adjacent 

 to Mount Hor — the Jebel Nebi Sarin, Mount of the Prophet 

 Aaron, of the Arabs — and many others ; and even the Bush- 

 man caves, a thousand miles south of this region. 



A very minute, sharp-biting mosquito is found here: 

 the women try to drive them out of their huts by whisking 

 bundles of green leaves all round the walls before turning 

 into them. 



11 th August. — Crossed the Luao by a bridge, thirty yards 

 long, and more than half a mile of flood on each side ; 

 passed many villages, standing on little heights, which 

 overlook plains filled with water. Some three miles of 

 grassy plains abreast of Moero were the deepest parts, 

 except the banks of Luao. We had four hours of wading, 

 the bottom being generally black tenacious mud. Euts 

 had been formed in the paths by the feet of passengers : 

 these were filled with soft mud, and, as they could not be 

 seen, the foot was often placed on the edge, and when the 

 weight came on it, down it slumped into the mud, half-way 

 up the calves; it was difficult to draw it out, and very 

 fatiguing. To avoid these ruts we encroached on the grass 

 at the sides of the paths, but often stepping on the unseen 

 edge of a rut, we floundered in with both feet to keep the 

 balance, and this was usually followed by a rush of bubbles 

 to the surface, which, bursting, discharged foul air of fright- 

 ful fsecal odour. In parts, the black mud and foul water 

 were cold, in others hot, according as circulation went on or 

 not. When we came near Moero, the water became half- 

 chest and whole-chest deep ; all perishable articles had to 

 be put on the head. We found a party of fishermen on the 

 sands, and I got a hut, a bath in the clear but tepid waters, 

 and a delicious change of dress. Water of Lake, 83° at 3 p.m. 



