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THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE 



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OXEN HAUUNG THE BOATS TO THE TOP OF A HIEE 



The expedition's 42 oxen were useless in pulling a heavy burden except on a straight road. 

 Even then it was a laborious process, with much cracking of long whips by the natives and 

 straining and puffing of the animals. 



As far as possible every precaution 

 was taken to ensure a good bill of health. 

 Water was always boiled and filtered, 

 and each of us took a good dose of 

 quinine each evening to stave off ma- 

 larial fever. Light khaki clothing and 

 tropical sun helmets were worn by all 

 white men. 



The doctor had a far busier time 

 treating natives and their children than 

 attending to members of the expedition. 

 When they heard of the "Great Medicine 



Chief," the natives flocked from their 

 villages, bringing their sick and lame with 

 them. But the doctor could attend to 

 only a few, as his supply of hospital 

 requisites was limited. 



I will not go into any more details of 

 that memorable bush trek. After long 

 days of toil and many qualms as to 

 whether our destination would ever be 

 attained, we eventually reached Sankisia, 

 a railway depot about 18 miles from the 

 river Lualaba, on September 28, 191 5, 



