at midday.

The Molongosi people invited us into the village; but the forest, unless when infested with leopards and lions, is always preferable, for one is free from vermin, and free from curiosity gazers, who in the village think they have a right to stare, but in the forest feel that they are not on an equality with strangers.
[It was on the 18th of July, 1868, we see that Dr.Livingstone discovered one of the largest of the Central African Lakes.

It is extraordinary to notice the total absence of all pride and enthusiasm, as--almost parenthetically--he records the fact.] _17th and 18th July, 1868._--Reached the chief village of Mapuni, near the north bank of Bangweolo.

On the 18th I walked a little way out and saw the shores of the Lake for the first time, thankful that I had come safely hither.
I told the chief that my goods were all expended, and gave him a fathom of calico as all I could spare: I told him that as soon as I had seen and measured the Lake I would return north; he replied, that seeing our goods were done he could say nothing, he would give me guides, and what else he should do was known to himself.

He gave a public reception at once.