8(5 
DISCHARGE CARGO. 
[chap. r. 
Gondokoro is a great improvement upon the inter¬ 
minable marshes ; the soil is firm and raised about 
twenty feet above the river level. Distant mountains 
relieve the eye accustomed to the dreary flats of the 
White Nile ; and evergreen trees scattered over the 
face of the landscape, with neat little native villages 
beneath their shade, form a most inviting landing- 
place after a long and tedious voyage. This spot was 
formerly a mission-station. There remain to this day 
the ruins of the brick establishment and church, and 
the wreck of what was once a garden ; groves of 
citron and lime-trees still exist, the only signs that 
an attempt at civilization has been made—“ seed cast 
upon the wayside.” There is no town. Gondokoro 
is merely a station of the ivory traders, occupied for 
about two months during the year, after which time 
it is deserted, when the annual boats return to Khar¬ 
toum and the remaining expeditions depart for the 
interior. A few miserable grass huts are all that 
dignify the spot with a name. The climate is un¬ 
healthy and hot. The thermometer from 90° to 95° 
Fahr. at noon in the shade. 
I landed the animals from the boats in excellent 
condition, all rejoicing in the freedom of open pas¬ 
turage. 
