300 
TEAVELS IN CENTEAL AFEICA. 
on inquiry ascertained that a negress had been hung to a tree be- 
tween our station and that of a trader named Khurshid Aga. Dr. 
Murie^ at Petherick^s request, went to see if he could he of any 
assistance, but found her dead. The unfortunate woman had been 
regarded as a witch, and she was accused of causing by enchant- 
ment the death of a wife of the chiePs. The negroes of the village 
entered Khurshid^ s station, and dragged the negress, who was one 
of the bread-makers, to her execution. 
We daily visited one or both rivers. I on Luxor one morning 
were nearly lost in quicksand on the borders of the Ayi; 
Petherick shot several pigeons, bustards, and ducks ; the latter 
were very numerous. Our people were able to supply me with 
needles, thread, and calico ; so I occupied myself in patching our 
tattered garments. We had lost nearly the whole of our clothing. 
I was put to great inconvenienee for a hat, the broad brim of mine 
having been torn away by the thorns, and though the erown was 
kept on my head by means of a turban, my face was terribly ex- 
posed and pained me much. Gloves I had been long without, so 
my hands were now proof against the fierce rays of the sun; but 
when first they were unproteeted, the blisters were numerous and 
almost unbearable. 
We were now all fast gaining strength, in consequence of living 
more regularly. We had a variety of food — fresh vegetables and 
plenty of very pleasant merissa, of a light colour, slightly acid in 
flvour, and not thick. I received several burmahs (earthern pots) 
containing honey. This eaten mixed with milk is delicious. One of 
our men of the station begged my acceptance of a highly polished 
bullock^s horn, to which a lid had been neatly attached, and which 
contained red pepper-pods. Some very beautiful small doves, with 
tails nearly a foot long, were also given to me. 
