126 
THE KILIMA NJARO EXPEDITION. 
But in all this range of view there was no grander 
object for the eyes to rest on—scarcely excepting the 
snowy dome of Kibo—than Mem, the grandest moun¬ 
tain in symmetrical shape that Africa can boast. It 
rises, a perfect pyramid, to the west of Kilima-njaro, 
and springs heavenward from the sunny plain till it 
reaches a height of nearly 15,000 feet. 2 I wish I could 
paint it for you as I saw it at the close of this tranquil 
[Fig. 31.—Mount Meru. 
afternoon when I lay resting and awaiting my dinner 
on the hill-top of Kitimbiriu. Imagine, first, a western 
2 Tlie height of its apex is 14,700 feet. It is occasionally, hut 
rarely, tipped with snow. Meru lies nearly due west of Kilima-njaro, 
in lat. 3° 15' S., and long. 36° 40' E., and is visible across the 
plains for a distance of at least seventy miles, and is at all times a 
majestic object. It is said to he inhabited by a gentle race of agri¬ 
culturists, akin in origin and tongue to the Wa-caga of Kilima-njaro. 
At its base dwell tribes of Masai, who are great cattle-keepers, and 
whose herds of kine range over the vast green plains that lie between 
Meru and Kilima-njaro at the upper waters of the Luvu River. 
