48 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. Chat*. XXXIX. 
Ngegimi. It was a picture of one of the most fertile 
spots of the earth doomed to desolation. But there 
was a feeble spark of hope in me that it would not 
always be so; and I flattered myself that my labours 
in these new regions might contribute to sow here the 
first germs of a new life, a new activity. 
My companions and friends did not seem to share 
in my feelings : for, wholly intent upon mischief, they 
had been roving about, and having fallen in with some 
Kanembii cattle-breeders, they had plundered them 
not only of their milk, but also of the vessels which 
contained it; and in the afternoon some respectable 
old men applied to Mr. Overweg and myself, the only 
just people they were sure to find amongst this wild 
band of lawless robbers, for redress, and we were 
happy, not only to restore to them their vessels, but 
also to make them a few small presents. 
Thursday Descending from our lofty encampment, 
Sept. 25th. we continued our march in the narrow 
grassy plain, between the sand-hills to the north, and 
another blue inlet of the lake to the south, where 
the rich pasture-grounds extended further into the 
lake. 
It was about seven o'clock in the morning when we 
had the good fortune to enjoy one of the most inter- 
esting scenes which these regions can possibly afford. 
Far to our right was a whole herd of elephants, 
arranged in regular array, like an army of rational 
beings, slowly proceeding to the water. In front 
appeared the males, as was evident from their size, 
in regular order; at a little distance followed the 
