204 



THROUGH JUNGLE AND DESERT 



CHAP. 



and this, together with the loss of our load-bearing 

 oxen and the sickness prevalent among the donkeys, 

 reduced our means of transport in a marked degree. 



The appearance of the country about Hameye had 

 seemed to us in every way adapted for the pasturing 

 of cattle and beasts of all sorts ; but evidently such is 

 not the case. George reported that soon after our 

 departure the animals had done anything but well. 

 Whether they had been bitten by flies, or made sick 

 by drinking the waters of the Tana, will never be 



Loading Camels 

 Pile of ammunition in the foreground 



known; but I think it is probable that the cattle and 

 donkeys died from fly-bite. The camels doubtless ate 

 some plant poisonous to them. The Somali have 

 often told me that in their country they are partic- 

 ularly careful to see that the camels eat nothing but 

 dry grass. 



After reaching Hameye I distributed among the 

 men who had followed me to Lorian many presents ; 

 and allowed each of them, instead of the regular 

 ration, as much as they could eat : they were also 

 given a complete holiday from all work. Under these 



