We were now in a country which, in addition to the Mazitu invasion, was suffering from one of those inexplicable droughts to which limited and sometimes large portions of this country are subject.

It had not been nearly so severe on the opposite or south side, and thither too the Mazitu had not penetrated.

Rushes, which plagued us nearer the coast, are not observed now; the grass is all crisp and yellow; many of the plants are dead, and leaves are fallen off the trees as if winter had begun.

The ground is covered with open forest, with here and there thick jungle on the banks of the streams.

All the rivulets we have passed are mere mountain torrents filled with sand, in which the people dig for water.
We passed the spot where an Arab called Birkal was asked payment for leave to pass.