CHAP. I.] 
DISCHARGE CARGO . 
59 
lace 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. 
