72 MATABELE LAND. 



his projected expedition in the north-east, on which 

 he was absent from Inyati in all about seven weeks. 

 The district traversed during his absence was that 

 watered by the Gwailo and Umvungu Rivers, the 

 farthest point reached being the Umgwanya. The 

 circumstances of the first few days of these wander- 

 ings are thus recounted in his Journal : — 



" October Jth. — Sultry, oppressive day; very 

 cloudy. Packed waggon, and left Inyati about 

 4 p.m. We passed through bush country, with 

 fine open level spaces, which would be excellent 

 riding ground ; some fine old baobab-trees in the 

 distance exactly like oaks, with gnarled crooked 

 arms. These trees have dark green foliage, and 

 here and there stand almost isolated. Close ; a 

 very disagreeable smell frequent, Hendrik says of 

 black ants. Now and then sweet perfumes from 

 flowering shrubs. ... As it got dark we outspanned 

 about 7 p.m., having water for our own use in our 

 casks. A large group of men round the fire. We 

 had come perhaps nine miles. 



" October 8t/i. — Mild, cloudy, breezy morning. 

 Crossed the dry beds of two small rivers (branches 

 of the Lelongwe), with a kraal placed between them ; 

 the ground level so far. Men bring ostrich-eggs ; 

 women bring Indian and Kaffir corn and beans. 

 Bought the upper mandible of an eagle from the 

 neck of a man, hanging by a thin leather strap. 

 Hendrik says these eagles kill goats. Also bought 

 ostrich feathers and eggs, milk and corn. We had 

 outspanned. Presently resuming the journey, we 



