240 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. Chap. XLV. 
which I had not seen before, and surpassing even 
those fine trees of the same species which I have 
described near the village Kade. 
Of course, every one was desirous of having his 
tent pitched in the shade of one of these beautiful 
trees, when suddenly the intruders were attacked by 
swarms of large bees, which, settling behind their 
ears, tormented them to the utmost, as if they wanted 
to take revenge for the mischief that had been done to 
their masters, and to defend their favourite resting- 
places against these cruel intruders. It is well known 
that swarms of bees had almost caused the destruction 
of Mungo Park's, as well as Major Gray's expedition ; 
but here a whole army was running away from these 
little creatures. Even those who had encamped at a 
greater distance were only able to protect themselves 
by the large volumes of smoke which issued from the 
fires they had lighted. Before this, we had not ob- 
served the rearing of bees in this country; but here 
the larger trees were full of beehives, made of large- 
sized blocks. Even flocks of turtle-doves were not 
wanting in this fertile region, so rich in water and 
vegetation. 
In this pleasant spot we remained encamped the 
following day, while part of the army was sent out 
in a westerly direction towards our former encamp- 
ment, Kakala, which was only at a few miles distance, 
in order to try their fortune thereabouts ; but the 
pagans being upon their guard, they returned empty- 
handed in the evening. Our food to-day was varied, 
