Chapter II. 
to the north-east. The railway descends nearly 2,000 feet to 
reach the bottom of this valley, which is about 30 miles wide, 
and is dotted with tiny volcanoes, some active, others extinct. 
Lakes and ponds of sweet or salt water swarm with every 
species of aquatic bird, and the abundant water-courses make 
this one of the most fertile regions in Africa, as well as one of 
the most famous hunting grounds. 
After Nairobi the line crosses districts inhabited by the 
Wa-Kikuyu, agricultural and sedentary tribes ; and by the 
Masai, nomads and herdsmen, great breeders of cattle and bold 
warriors, who stopped the progress of many an explorer of old. 
The Masai as a race are finely proportioned, with a proud, fierce 
OFF RUSINGA ISLAND. 
mien and rather regular features, except the ears, which are 
unrecognizable, so deformed are they by absurd and voluminous 
ornaments. The women wear also heavy long copper spirals 
42 
