1891 - 92 .] Dr R. W. Felkin on the Wanyoro Tribe. 
157 
Bashetworli . — Various grasses and canes are used for plaiting 
baskets, but the result is neither artistic nor are the forms graceful, 
and I rarely saw any distinctly pretty articles. Probably the best 
made wickerwork is the shield, upon which some care is spent. 
Communications . — It may almost be said that the Wanyoro 
exercise no care in the establishment of roads or means of com- 
munication between one part of the country and another. As a rule, 
they content themselves by following the well-worn paths made by 
passengers between one village and another. It is true that some- 
times, when a great chief travels, it is customary for him to order a 
path to be made, and this is done by sending forward a party of men 
who, following an ordinary footpath, trample down the grass on 
either side and remove the saplings ; larger trees, however, are left 
standing. At the fords it is sometimes customary for a rope to be 
stretched across a stream. I have seen two tree-bridges made by 
simply felling a tree and causing it to fall across a stream, but I 
never heard of any greater attempt than this. In respect of ferries, 
I can only speak of those on the Nile itself ; there did not seem to be 
any great regularity in their running, but certainly boats and men 
were stationed at various points near Kodj and Foweira. A small 
sum of beads was given to the ferryman by each passenger. In one 
or two swamps I noticed that logs of wood had been thrown in to 
facilitate passage. 
Trade and Commerce . — The Wanyoro are keen traders. There 
is a lively interchange of produce in the country itself, but the 
exports are limited, consisting of ivory, salt, skins, and slaves. 
Although a few slaves may find their way into Uganda, the majority 
are bought by the Arab dealers and sent to the south via Karagwe. 
Salt is chiefly exported to Uganda. It is made up into cylindrical 
packets, wrapped in dried banana leaves, weighing about 25 lbs. and 
being sold for 400 cowries, equal in value perhaps to five and 
sixpence. As before mentioned, the one tusk of every elephant 
killed belongs to Kabrega the king, who usually purchases the other 
from the hunter ; therefore nearly the whole of the ivory trade 
remains in his hands, and is carried on with the Arabs from 
Karagwe. The ivory varies very much in price, and a considerable 
quantity comes from districts outside Unyoro proper, but under 
vassalage to the king. 
