VII 



TRAVELS IN EASTERN AFRICA 



277 



found in quantities upon the slopes of Mount Lo- 

 lokwi. 



The appearance of Lolokwi is most strange. Almost 

 rectangular in shape, it rises to a height of 3000 feet 

 above the plain, its steep sides and flat top giving it 

 the appearance of a monstrous sepulchre. In the rainy 

 season, abundant water is found in small streams tum- 

 bling down its sides ; but in the dry season one must 

 be well acquainted with the surrounding country to find 

 even a drop of the precious liquid. 



The Wanderobbo not only make hives by rudely 

 hollowing logs, but are able to procure a great quantity 

 of honey by following the honey bird. This bird is a 

 most extraordinary creature, and its call is easily dis- 

 tinguished. If it finds honey, it will fly to the neigh- 

 bourhood of human beings, and by persistent singing 

 finally succeeds in attracting attention. It then flies 

 slowly off, stopping occasionally to permit the man 

 following it to catch up ; until at length it reaches the 

 hollow in the ground, or in a log or tree, where there 

 is the nest of bees. The native then advances, and 

 satisfies himself ; but is ever careful to leave behind a 

 portion of the honey as the share of the bird. 



After our arrival at Lolokwi, four of the donkeys 

 died. When we had stayed two days, our water-hole 

 became exhausted, and we were forced to climb the face 

 of the mountain a further height of 500 feet, in order 

 to supply the wants of our caravan. We remained at 

 Lolokwi six days, owing to the delayed arrival of the 

 Wanderobbo, whom we were to secure for guides. 

 During these days. Lieutenant von Hohnel made an 

 excursion to some hills lying to the south of Lolokwi, 



