700 
Proceedings of the Royal Society 
it. The equator, as will be seen from a glance at the map, divides 
the country into two almost equal parts. 
Physical Features of the Country . — The physical features of 
Uganda are very varied, and give a distinct character to the different 
districts. The country bordering the lake and for some distance 
inland is mountainous, especially in the north-west, where parallel 
low mountain chains are found. The general elevation of the hills 
above their valleys is about 400 feet, and in the marshy valleys 
between them sluggish streams make their way to the Nyanza. All 
the hills are covered with splendid timber and abundant underwood. 
Further inland the valleys widen and the hills gradually decrease in 
size, until at the northern border the country becomes a plain, 
intersected at long intervals by large rush drains, and covered with 
open forest or rank grass jungle. The eastern part of Uganda, 
between Eubaga and the Nile, consists of undulating country varied 
by deep narrow valleys. 
Geology . — The formation of the rocks is volcanic or metamorphic. 
The upper strata of land, for the depth of 2 or 3 feet, is a rich black 
alluvial soil, under which is a bed of red sandy clay averaging about 
30 feet in thickness, and lower still in many places is a layer of 
tolerably pure porcelain earth. Large masses of mica are found, 
and at the outcrop of the metamorphic rocks crystals may 
frequently be seen. Ironstone is also found in rather large 
quantities, but as far as is known no other metals are to be obtained. 
Climate . — The climate is remarkably mild, and the temperature 
very uniform throughout the year. The extreme variations are 
50° F. minimum (extremely rare) and 90° F. maximum. The 
rainfall is about 50 inches, and the atmosphere is very humid. 
There are two periods of maximum rainfall — March, April, and 
May, and September, October, and November. During these 
months rain falls nearly every day, often accompanied by thunder. 
Population . — The total population of Uganda is about 5 millions. 
It is principally composed of the Waganda who inhabit the main- 
land north of the Victoria Nyanza, and the Wasesse who inhabit 
the islands. These two tribes are of the same stock, the difference 
in name only denoting the districts in which they dwell. They are 
pure negroes, of dark chocolate coloured skin (Broca’s Table, No. 
35-43). Colour of eyes, Broca’s Table, 35. The men are tall, well- 
