42 
In the Heart of Africa 
this respect by a very fine specimen of the latter popping up 
out of the water one day in close vicinity to our folding boat. 
“ The scarcity of any large species of fish in the lake was 
conspicuous. We were only able to capture barbel a few inches 
in length and some specimens of cichlidae, and in the stomachs 
of the otters—which were very plentiful here—we found the 
remains of small fish only. Consonant with this fact it may be 
stated here that no fishing is carried on by any of the inhabitants 
of the surrounding country. 
“We found the ornithology of the western end of the lake 
very rich in species. The lake and its banks and the floating 
islets of reed masses were animated by swarms of ducks, geese, 
snake-birds (or darters), water-hens, water-rails and lapwings.” 
And Mildbraed goes on: “ Generally speaking, the papyrus 
swamps are poor in species, but the western part of Lake Mohasi 
harbours very rich flora. In almost all respects it corresponds 
to the other valleys of the district; it is, so to speak, the sub¬ 
merged lower part of a valley which has no outlet, and is gradu¬ 
ally drying up in the west. The chief vegetable growths are 
the papyrus and prickly marsh rush (Cladium manscus)^ which 
is also to be met with in Germany, and which forms immense 
sedgy banks. The numerous floating islets consist entirely of 
these growths, which are easily pushed aside by a boat. Two 
shrubs of the willow family luxuriate on these islets, and have 
been named the Myrica Kandtiana Engl., in honour of their 
discoverer. Dr. Kandt. Strangely enough, a species of fiscus 
{F. frcBruptorum Hiern var. ruandensts Mildbr.') also grows 
there, for it is probably the sole specimen of this large African 
family to be met with in true swamp formation. 
“ The open water bears two specimens of water lily, both 
recognised as fresh discoveries—the ISIymfhcea Mildbr (Edit Gilg.-, 
and N. magni-fica Gilg.; they form a splendid adornment to 
the lake, with their blossoms merging into all shades, from 
rose-red to blue, and their beautiful large floating leaves. 
“ Then come the wood-ferns found in the sedge-banks, also 
some other growths, too numerous to mention individually, which 
