368 
AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
not do tlie distance in less than a week. Then I asked 
how long it would take to reach Kunyungwi by water. 
Could I get canoes, &c. ? 
The chief replied that Kunyungwi was on the other 
side of the water, and that we should have to go eight 
days on the river. From that assertion, I could see 
plainly that this worthy knew nothing about Tette. 
Notwithstanding this, however, I bargained with him 
to let me have the boys I required, as I anticipated 
desertion. 
In return, he asked me how far it was to my home. 
I showed, by counting on my fingers, that it was ten 
full moons distant, a statement which called forth the 
loudest exclamations of astonishment, at what was to 
them an incalculable distance. 
After rather a long conversation, much clapping of 
hands took place. I found, on my return to camp, that 
the chief had sent me a present of a goat. 
I related to John the result of the interview, trying 
to make the distance look as short as possible. On 
being informed that we would have to canoe on the 
river, he said: 
“Master, I don’t go on de water. I frightened for 
clat ! ” 
I saw immense numbers of the large crow with white 
collar, and some very pretty birds. The specimens I 
took were destroyed, so that, unfortunately, I am unable 
to classify them. Numbers of spoonbills and jays were 
seen, also shaft-tailed wliydah birds breasting and 
fiohtino; the wind. 
Our advance led us through an undulating, or rather 
a hilly country, the shallow valleys of which were 
threaded by numerous tiny rivulets. Low forest growth, 
thicket and high grass, covered the rolling land. The 
vegetation seemed to be a first-class cover for wild 
animals. 
And so it was. Just then my rather awkward line, 
which, like the poet’s wounded snake, “ dragged its low 
length along,” received a check. The head suddenly 
swerved. The boys, in great alarm, threw down their 
