320 
THE COLONY OF GANI. 
knees to enter, but the natives are so supple that they 
can bend their bodies until within two feet of the 
ground, and still be able to walk. The women make 
a superior description of basket, of close workmanship, 
from osiers or wands brought from the rocky dells. 
It may be mentioned that we had not seen the 
bamboo tree growing since we were in the seventh 
degree of south latitude, and we were gratified to 
come upon our old acquaintance again. Many of the 
trees gladdened the eyes of the botanist of the expedi- 
tion, Manua, who knew most of them, as the same 
species grow among the rocks rising out of the forests 
in his native home of Unyamuezi. Again Brace's 
ensete was found here, of a small size, greedily eaten 
by goats ; also several plants hitherto undescribed or 
unknown to science, giving a double interest to the 
colony of Gani. Strolling along amongst its ravines, 
and wandering far in search of plants, I came upon 
traps set with slabs of rock and cord : only small 
animals, such as weasels or birds, could get under 
them, and the circumstance shows that all races are 
fond of trapping. A native from the heights above 
shouted and beckoned to me ; in return I beckoned to 
him, and though we could not understand each other, 
he was most polite in leading the way, knocking down 
the thorns and branches that obstructed us, or lending 
a hand over the rugged rocks. He understood my 
sign that he should accompany me into the camp, but 
before doing so he left his spear in a hut, probably for 
fear his chief should find fault with him for appearing 
armed. In return for his kindness I presented him 
with some beef. Chong'ee, the morning after our 
arrival, harangued the people of the village, telling 
