50 
OBSERVATIONS. 
[chap. I. 
water. The lake at the Bahr el Gazal entrance is 
from seven to nine feet deep, by soundings in various 
places. Anchored the little squadron, as I wait here 
for observations. Had the “ Clumsy’s ” yard lowered 
and examined—cut a supply of grass for the animals. 
Jan. 6th .—Overhauled the stores. My stock of 
liquor will last to Gondokoro ; after that spot “ vive la 
misere.” It is curious in African travel to mark the 
degrees of luxury and misery; how, one by one, the 
wine, spirits, bread, sugar, tea, &c., are dropped like 
the feathers of a moulting bird, and nevertheless we 
go ahead contented. 
My men busy cutting grass, washing, fishing, &c. 
Latitude, by meridian altitude of sun, 9° 29'. Differ¬ 
ence of time by observation between this point and 
the Sobat junction 4 min. 26 secs., 1° 6' 30" distance. 
Caught some perch, but without the red fin of the 
European species; also some boulti with the net. The 
latter is a variety of perch growing to about four 
pounds’ weight, and is excellent eating. 
Sailed at 3 p.m. Masses of the beautiful but gloomy 
Papyrus rush, growing in dense thickets about eighteen 
feet above the water. I measured the diameter of one 
head, or crown, four feet one inch. 
Jan. 7th .—Started at 6 a.m. ; course E. 10° S. ; 
wind dead against us; the “ Clumsy ” not in sight. 
