522 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 
Chap. XXXVII. 
called by the Kaniiri " ngaljam," and forms a cha- 
racteristic feature of Demsa, while on our right it 
expanded to a conspicuous sheet of water, bordered 
by blocks and masses of rocks full of vegetation. It 
was overgrown with rank reed at the spot where we 
crossed it. 
Only a few minutes beyond this almost stagnant 
water on green meadow-land, we crossed the broad 
and clear torrent of the mayo Tiyel, rushing ahead 
over a gravelly bottom, and at times rolling along a 
considerable quantity of water. According to my 
guides, it is formed by three branches, one issuing 
from Bases towards the N. E., the other coming from 
the neighbourhood of Belem, and the third from the 
N. W., from Bingel. Only a few hundred yards fur- 
ther on, we passed on our left another broad sheet of 
water, apparently of great depth, which is said to 
preserve the same level at all times of the year. It is 
full of crocodiles, and bordered by the richest vege- 
tation, and, being apparently quite isolated, has a 
very curious appearance. Perhaps it is fed by sub- 
terranean sources. It is surrounded by beautiful 
pasture-grounds. 
We then traversed a fine open country, passing 
some villages, while the road was enlivened by a 
troop of travellers (colonists from Bornu), among 
whom there were some remarkably handsome women 
mounted on bullocks, who bore sufficient testimony 
to the fact that the more elevated districts of A'da- 
mawa are salubrious and favourable for man. We 
