FIRE IN CAMP. 
241 
the wing — a new goatsucker — with a single feather of 
each wing twice his own length, and since named 
Cosmetornis Spehii, skimmed amongst the plantain 
trees at night. These long feathers probably sweep 
up flies as they float behind him. 
Fish were not to be had on this route, although 
cruives or basket -traps, the shape of an Egyptian 
water -jar, and made of flags or papyrus, were con- 
stantly found in the houses of the people. The way 
of placing them was as follows : — Two long parallel 
ditches, six feet apart, were cut in a swamp ; here and 
there their waters were made to communicate. At 
these points the baskets were laid on their sides, and 
the fish driven into them, whence there was no escape. 
While detained at Karee receiving a portion of the 
cattle ordered to be given us by the king, we had 
several exhibitions of the temper of the people. As 
was customary, we took possession of their houses, and 
dwelt in them for eight days. This so exasperated 
them, that, on our Seedees going to fetch water, or 
leaving camp, they were threatened ; a spear was 
thrown, and one of our men, named Karee, was killed. 
No redress could be obtained till the king had been 
communicated with. His reply was, " Allow it to 
pass over for the present, and when the villagers have 
returned to their houses I will send a party to seize 
them all." The night previous to our leaving, two 
huts occupied by Seedees were set on fire — the natives 
throwing in a bunch of burning straw a,t the doorway. 
Egress through the flames was impossible ; but, having 
secured their guns, they cut their way through the 
side of the hut, losing a bayonet and their bark-cloths. 
Precautions were taken against any further alarm; 
Q 
