196 
In the Heart of Africa 
and fresh buffalo and elephant paths gave evidence of an 
abundance of game. 
We were received at Beni by Derche, the chief commandant 
of the district, at the head of his forces, and accompanied by 
the officers of his staff, who had kindly protracted their visit 
of inspection until our arrival. 
Next to the German station, Kissenji, on Lake Kiwu, Beni 
is doubtless the most attractive of the inland stations which we 
visited. The choice of its position alone gives evidence of fore¬ 
thought and taste. The gently sloping hill rising from the level 
plain of the Central African rift-valley, on which Beni is erected, 
is brushed on its western edge by the Great African forest, which 
extends to Ubangi, whilst the south-eastern slope falls away 
steeply to the Semliki, which winds and bends around the foot 
of the station, its average breadth being about 100 metres. 
Pretty, white-washed houses present a friendly aspect, an im¬ 
pression which is increased by a broad, open space on which 
waves the blue flag with the yellow star. The houses are con¬ 
nected by trim paths, bordered with banana trees. 
The Belgian settlement in the Beni district is of quite recent 
date, and therefore capable of considerable development. Re¬ 
bellion amongst the natives is chiefly answerable for the delayed 
opening up of this fertile district. The fear of punishment for 
past misdeeds drove the natives into the mountains every time 
the Belgians appeared, and frustrated all pacific and conciliatory 
approaches. It was not until the year 1907 that some of the 
tribes could be induced to return to their villages and homes, 
where they were treated with all kindness and assured of the 
groundlessness of their fears. Their example brought others 
back, and whilst we were there we saw banana plantations 
flourishing again, and agriculture generally in a thriving con¬ 
dition. At the back of the mountain ranges there are still many 
chieftains, however, who refuse allegiance to all Europeans, and 
are looked upon, with reason, as dangerous. Even though these 
rebels may not openly attack, yet by their attitude they greatly 
impede the proper cultivation of the land. Apart from their 
