552 
AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
is stated that it is a region of later volcanic activity, 
which in a very recent geological period has produced 
the cones and craters already referred to. These results 
of volcanic energy may, to some extent, be accounted 
for — though the statement may seem to savour of 
reasoning in a circle — by the lower region as an area of 
depression having subsided or sunk from the higher 
level of the flanking table-lands. 
The northerly or higher plateau region of Masai Land 
may be described as rising from an elevation of nearly 
5000 feet on either side, and culminating in the centre 
at an elevation of little short of 9000 feet — although 
through this very line of highest elevation runs from 
the Dogilani plain the remarkable meridional trough 
which encloses the charming chain of isolated lakes, 
Naivasha, Elmeteita, Nakuro, and Baringo ; and which, 
at the last-named place, begins to widen out till it 
assumes the characteristics of the southerly plain of 
Masai Land. 
On the eastern half of this divided plateau rises, as 
we have seen, the snow-clad peak of Kenia — and the 
picturesque range of the Aberdare Mountains, which 
runs almost parallel with the central line of depression. 
A more charming region is probably not to be found in 
all Africa, probably not even in Abyssinia. Though 
lying at a general elevation of 6000 feet, it is not 
mountainous, but extends out in billowy, swelling 
reaches, and is characterized by everything that makes 
a pleasing landscape. Here are dense patches of flower- 
ing shrubs ; there noble forests. Now you traverse a 
park-like country enlivened by groups of game ; anon, 
great herds of cattle, or flocks of sheep and goats are 
seen wandering knee-deep in the splendid pasture. There 
is little in the aspect of the country to suggest the popu- 
lar idea of the Tropics. The eye rests upon coniferous 
trees, forming pine-like woods, and you can gather sprigs 
of heath, sweet-scented clover, anemone, and other fami- 
liar forms. In vain you look for the graceful palm — 
ever present in the mental pictures of the untravelled 
traveller. The country is a very network of babbling 
