MOMBASA TO NAIROBI. 
21 
fact that it comprises one of the biggest and most scientific breeding 
grounds for these birds in East Africa, both it and the surrounding 
country have the reputation of being unexcelled as a resort for the 
tawny-maned cat. Covered with short grass and devoid even of 
bushes, Kapiti plains are seamed with ravines, filled with weeds, reeds 
and thorns—with here and there pools of sweet water, which are very 
magnets to the Kings either in the cool or hot seasons. Nature 
specially designated the “Theki ostrich farm” as the ideal launching 
grounds for the big hunt. 
But its generous proprietor and royal host had by no means left 
the success of this step of the expedition to nature. For weeks he 
had been arranging for the coming of Roosevelt, and had even built a 
beautiful substantial bungalow for the reception of the chief and his 
associates. It is needless to add that they gratefully occupied it for a 
short time before setting out on their exciting and successful hunt. The 
bungalow had been christened “Kitanga”; it has a tin roof, with outer 
walls of gray granite blocks; and its central living and dining room and 
four bedrooms are divided by walls of sun-dried brick. 
The first night of the Roosevelt expeditions in Africa was passed 
in tents near the railway station at Kapiti plains, and was April 22 nd. 
The next morning the “Mombasa Standard” published a violent attack 
on Acting Governor Jackson and Mr. Roosevelt for alleged partiality 
for American journalists, who were said to be favored with passage on 
the special train to Kapiti Plains and English newspaper men excluded. 
The charges were found to be groundless, but created a little feeling of 
uneasiness for the time being. It was the intention to leave at once 
for the Pease ranch, but it was discovered that some of the baggage 
sent by the Smithsonian Institution had been left at Mombasa, and the 
expedition therefore pitched camp near the railroad station. Mr. Cun- 
ninghame sent back for the missing goods and Messrs. Roosevelt, Jack- 
son, Selous, et. al., proceeded to prepare for a preliminary small-game 
hunt. Colonel Roosevelt arose early the morning of the 23 rd, and his 
high spirits continued even after he learned of the grilling he had re¬ 
ceived by the Mombasa newspaper. He proceeded at once to look 
over his outfit and consult Mr. Selous about hunting plans. Before 
he had started Kermit came in with a dead buck which he had shot, 
thus forestalling his strenuous father. With the assistance of Mr. Selous 
and a red handkerchief, Colonel Roosevelt then succeeded in bringing 
