The Taita Plains and l^ake yipe, 339 
obtained a delicious bath, the first I had had since 
leaving Kithima. I decided to remain here for 
the day, and to start for Jipe early on the following 
morning. Most of the men were pleased at this, 
but the Mkugenzi looked ill at ease, though he said 
nothing. We camped on the farther side of the valley, 
beneath a clump of trees affording us the most ample 
and perfect shade. 
The Matate valley is formed by the two ridges of 
the Muarimba, which are extensions of the Bura 
mountains. The water in its bed comes from the 
north end of Bura, but when it is most abundant it 
does not flow far, being speedily absorbed by the soil. 
The steep banks of the gully are lined with fine trees 
of many kinds. The whole valley is overgrown with 
rank, tall grasses ; and is adorned with many fine 
mimosa, acacia, and other trees and plants. I gathered 
the yellow flowers of a tree which reminded me of 
those of the laburnum, and which are repiited by the 
natives to be an antidote against the bite of the 
snake. 
Some of the men left the camp in the afternoon 
in search of firewood. It was not long, however, 
before they sneaked back again, looking like dogs 
that might have just received a whipping. They had 
heard other voices than those of our own party. 
Muachania and his companion were despatched to 
examine the ground, and they soon returned with a 
number of men, who proved to be a hunting party 
from Bura., The latter were not a pleasant-looking 
set, but they saluted us civilly, stared at us curiously, 
and then left without more ado. I watched the guide. 
He seemed to fear hostilities ; and now I knew why 
