(58 
RICHARN REDUCED TO THE RANKS. [chap. i. 
of towing through swamps, tugging by the long grass, 
and poling against a strong current, is dreadful, and 
there appears to be no end to this horrible country. 
“ On dit,” that during the dry season there is plenty 
of game near the river, but at present boundless marshes 
devoid of life, except in the shape of mosquitoes, and 
a very few water-fowl, are the only charms of the 
White Nile. The other day I caught one of the men 
stealing the salt; Eicharn having been aware of daily 
thefts of this treasure, and having failed to report 
them, the thief received twenty with the coorbatch, 
and Eicharn is reduced to the ranks, as I anticipated. 
No possibility of taking observations, as there is no 
landing-place. 
Jan. 17th .—As usual, marshes, mosquitoes, wind¬ 
ings, dead flats, and light winds ; the mosquitoes in 
the cabin give no rest even during the day. Stream 
about two miles per hour. Course S.E.; the river 
averaging about one hundred and ten yards in width 
of clear water. 
Jan. 18 th .—Country as usual, but the wind brisker. 
In company with Koorshid Aga’s boats. I have bound 
the stock of Oswelhs old gun with rhinoceros hide. 
All guns made for sport in wild countries and rough 
riding, should have steel instead of iron from the 
breech-socket, extending far back to within six inches 
