126 
TRAVELS IN CENTRAL AFRICA, 
the invalids declared themselves better^ and for a few hours pleasure 
reigned supreme, ^ 
May l^ih . — The boats were unladen^ and the grain exposed to 
the sun. It is now evident how seriously the stores have dimin- 
ished ; the leakages and the rains have ruined so many things. 
As more towing-lines were required^ our men^ accompanied by a 
body of negroes^ started off at an early hour to cut the leaves of 
the delaeb palm^ returning at noon ; and all are busy, first beating 
the leaves violently with stones until the fibre alone remains, which 
is then twisted into rope. We rode out, the horses seeming to 
enjoy the exercise as much as we did. Petherick shot some ibises. 
Three bullocks were slaughtered, and, cut into strips, were hung in 
the rigging to dry. The doctors still indisposed. The sunset glorious, 
giving promise of a bright to-morrow. On the river-side I culled 
some pretty white flowers with delicate green leaves. 
