258 
TEAVELS IN CENTEAL AFEICA. 
November %^th . — A return of ague compelled us to remain in 
our quarters yesterday ; and_, altliougli I felt uncommonly weak^ 
the absence of all kinds of provisions induced me to make an effort 
to proceed^ in the hope of finding better quarters at the next 
halting-place. 
We first traversed some dilapidated corn-fields^ then bush^ and 
succeeding this, red sandstone and grey fine-grained granite of 
trifling elevation appeared for a short time ; then high grass inter- 
vened for about three miles^ distance, then more granite appeared. 
We descended a gentle slope, and traversed a valley bearing east 
and UTst, on the north side of which a streamlet flowing west was 
crossed. A halt of forty- five minutes took place at this spot, when 
the march was resumed. At a distance of about a mile a few low 
rocks of granite, containing small transparent pools of water, were 
passed ; lilies budding and in flower graced their edges. We soon 
became entangled in low scrubby bush, with here and there an 
occasional fine tree. A descent brought us to a narrow and swift 
clear rivulet, winding its way westwards through a thickly wooded 
dingle, such a one as may be seen in many a lovely spot at home. 
The descent was steep, and our horses managed it well ; but several 
elephant tracks in deep, rich, and moist soil annoyed ourselves and 
the cattle considerably. A short rest took place, after which the 
march continued through bush, then open forest, where a few tama- 
rind trees offered such luxuriant shade that, debilitated as I was, I 
could not withstand taking advantage of it; so at one p.m. we 
halted, and there remained until 3.45, the rest afforded being most 
refreshing. The march was then continued, arriving at 4.20 at 
the no mean village of Chirmo, and in its vicinity our tent was 
pitched for the night. The natives, during our preparations for 
encampment, watched our movements from a distance, with feel- 
