ab6h creek. 
245 
regard it as a better organized delusion, which is got up 
at certain seasons, and turned to good account by the 
actors. 
The creek off which the Expedition had anchored is 
low and swampy on its left bank, covered with long 
grass or reeds, among which the numerous trading- 
canoes were moored. The right bank is magnificently 
wooded with large forest trees ; and the rich variety of 
drooping Orchidaceous parasites, mingled with number- 
less flowers of brilliant colour, make it very picturesque 
and interesting. Some beautifid king-hunters or 
halcyons, were moving about in the neighbouring bushes, 
as also the pretty rufous-bellied fly-catcher {Muscipeta 
rufiventer) and the Vidua erythrorynchus, or red-billed 
Whydah bird, in its black and white plumage, the two 
very long and narrow tall feathers distinguishing it from 
all its little companions. 
The capital of Obi’s dominions called Abbh, is 
situated at the upper end of this creek, on the right 
bank ; numerous little creeklets lead to the dwellings 
of the principal men, surrounded by the huts of their 
dependents, and here their canoes are laid up. There is 
no regularity observed in the position of the huts, 
except that they are built on either side of these creek- 
lets, and about twenty to thirty yards apart, having a few 
palms or banana-trees, which afford the much-required 
shelter from the scorching rays of the mid-day sun. 
Each family has one or more canoes wherewith to 
communicate with the other parts of the town during 
