It may be remarked here that these rivers were now in flood, and that the water was all perfectly clear.

The vegetation on the banks is so thickly planted that the surface of the earth is not abraded by the torrents.

The grass is laid flat, and forms a protection to the banks, which are generally a stiff black loam.

The fact of canoes being upon them shows that, though not large, they are not like the southern rivulets, which dry up during most of the year, and render canoes unnecessary.
As we were crossing the river we were joined by a messenger from Katema, called Shakatwala.

This person was a sort of steward or factotum to his chief.