Chap. LXXVII. MOUNT TO^NDIBI. 
205 
afternoon, and soon descended by a gradual inclina- 
tion from the higher desert tract, which, however, after 
the heavy rain that had fallen in the morning, was 
full of pools of stagnant water. We then passed 
several encampments, till we reached the low grassy 
shore of the river, when the high ground on our 
left was intersected by several dry watercourses, and 
obliged us, although only for a short time, to ex- 
change the green bottom for the rocky slope at a place 
where a branch of the river, which approached closely, 
was full of crocodiles. 
Entering then an open grassy plain intersected by 
several channels, and making our way with difficulty 
through this swampy ground, called Erarar, we 
reached about dark an encampment of Kel e' Siik, at 
the border of an open branch of the river, which was 
here about 400 yards broad. The locality was called 
Taborak, though not a single tree was to be seen 
hereabouts ; the whole district is here still called E'ha. 
The open river afforded a very pleasant sight, as, 
during the last few days, I had seen nothing but 
swampy creeks. Towards the south-east, the watery 
plain was bounded by Mount Tondibi, which juts 
out into the river in the shape of a promontory of 
considerable elevation. The locality, however, was so 
very unhealthy, that I could not long enjoy the fresh 
air outside, but was obliged to retire into my tent at 
an early hour. 
On leaving our camping-ground in the morn- Saturday, 
ing, we had to cross two small creeks, and "^""^ 
