246 
TRAVELS IN CENTRAL AFRICA. 
in some cases a treble row of huts,, made also of cane-work, with 
usual conical straw roof. In front of each hut or two, according 
as the proprietor had one or two wives, were neat granaries com- 
posed of a round shell of wicker-work plastered on the inside, and 
placed upon a firm stage five feet from the ground. The conical 
roof projected over the sides, and an extinguisher on a candle is a 
fair resemblance of them. To introduce or withdraw grain, the 
roof is light enough to permit its being lifted on one side and 
supported by a prop. In the centre of the enclosure there is a 
large tamarind tree, and the space between it and the huts is 
devoted to public business or to amusement, the latter, in the shape 
of dancing, being the ordinary pastime. Our tent was pitched 
on the outside of the enclosure near a fine old tree, the species of 
which baffled Murie and myself. 
The aborigines collected in large numbers, and the tent created 
universal admiration; the Union Jack floating on its summit was 
pointed at with delight by young and old. A storm of questions 
assailed the men and myself, whether in our country all the people 
lived in houses like that, and whether every person carried his 
house with him ? where did we come from ? was it true we came 
from the sky ? when were we going up again ? what brought us 
among them ? My wife, reclining on a rug in the shade, was the 
next object of attraction. Many of the women asked permission 
to come near to look at her. Her white face, long hair, and dress 
were each and all admired. 
Fruits of different kinds, sweet potatoes (yams), and honey were 
brought as presents to her ; and by way of exciting her appetite, 
to convince us the honey contained nothing injurious, the patriarch 
of the place, Magwai, and several bystanders, thrust their dirty 
fingers into it and sucked them eagerly. Some of the fruit was 
