96 
TRAVELS IN CENTRAL AFRICA. 
lower part of the dwelling, twelve feet in diameter; in this there 
is an opening for entrance a foot from the ground. The roof is of 
straw^ arranged in a conical form. There was hardly a breath of 
wind, and we were but slowly creeping on ; the heat was oppressive, 
thermometer at noon showed 1 10° in the shade. The river very 
Avide, and the islands numerous, all uncultivated, coarse grass alone 
to be seen. At sunset landed on the west bank, sat beneath mag- 
nificent tamarind trees whilst our people collected a vast quantity 
of the fruit. When boiling water is poured upon a small quantity 
of the fruit, the drink is most refreshing and slightly purgative. 
The crew were now obliged to tow, four soldiers, armed, accom- 
panying them : this was a necessary precaution, as the negroes were 
hostile. Obliged to make fast to the bank for the night, the men 
being weary. 
March 31^/. — Started at dawn, men towing. Passed an old 
ruined village of the Shillooks called Kaka; there were at least 
six hundred deserted tookuls. Last year the Shillooks were driven 
from their homes. They were an industrious people, and cultivated 
grain to a large extent. Kaka was a place of importance, and boats 
formerly touched there to take in provisions. Mahommed Cheir 
had formed a temporary settlement a short distance from Kaka. 
At noon two boats, with the Ottoman flag, and laden with slaves, 
came down, sailing past us. At five p.m. two more boats were 
advancing towards us ; these Petherick stopped, and sent for the 
raises of the boats. He was anxious to hear from their lips the 
state of the country. They said that they were employed by 
Mahommed Cheir in a razzia against the Shillooks, assisted by six 
hundred mounted Bagaras. They had fallen upon a settlement of 
those people, who, driven from their old quarters, had established 
