CHAPTER VI. 
The Wa-nyika—A lioness—Sable antelope—The Doruma—Taro—A dry 
camp—A forced march in search of water—Maungu—Mr. Wray—The 
Ndara range—The Wa-teita. 
December 12th. —No very early start was made this 
morning, the men having had a hardish time of it 
yesterday, so we served out their food and gave them 
time to cook it. Only three men deserted during the 
night. After breakfast we started, at about 8 A.M., 
carrying our guns in the hopes of falling in with 
guinea-fowl or partridges, but only saw numbers of 
pretty little birds with brilliant plumage. The country 
Avas undulating, and the scenery distinctly monotonous: 
the road fairly good, though narrow, compelled us to 
Avalk in single file, and the grass on either side Avas 
scanty, as the natAes fire it tAvice a year. Many Avild 
floAvers and shrubs attracted the eye, but most of the 
former had little or no smell; I noticed particularly 
convolvuli of all shades and colour, Avild jasmin, cactus, 
mimosa bushes and numerous evergreens—like those 
I have seen groAving in hothouses at home. At times 
Ave saAv some beautiful locusts of a pink colour, which, 
Avlien disturbed, fleAv, or rather jumped, about twenty 
yards. The Avhole country, through which Ave Avere 
passing, becomes perfectly parched in the dry season, 
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