Where It Remains For Any Length Of Time,
Trees Can Not Live.
On the right bank, or that in which the Loeti flows,
there is an extensive flat country called Manga, which,
though covered with grass, is destitute in a great measure of trees.
Flocks of green pigeons rose from the trees as we passed along the banks,
and the notes of many birds told that we were now among
strangers of the feathered tribe. The beautiful trogon,
with bright scarlet breast and black back, uttered a most peculiar note,
similar to that we read of as having once been emitted by Memnon,
and likened to the tuning of a lyre. The boatmen answered it
by calling "Nama, nama!" - meat, meat - as if they thought
that a repetition of the note would be a good omen for our success in hunting.
Many more interesting birds were met; but I could make no collection,
as I was proceeding on the plan of having as little luggage as possible,
so as not to excite the cupidity of those through whose country
we intended to pass.
Vast shoals of fish come down the Leeambye with the rising waters,
as we observed they also do in the Zouga. They are probably induced
to make this migration by the increased rapidity of the current
dislodging them from their old pasture-grounds higher up the river.
Insects constitute but a small portion of the food of many fish.
Fine vegetable matter, like slender mosses, growing on the bottom,
is devoured greedily; and as the fishes are dislodged from the main stream
by the force of the current, and find abundant pasture on the flooded plains,
the whole community becomes disturbed and wanders.
The mosala (`Clarias Capensis' and `Glanis siluris'), the mullet
(`Mugil Africanus'), and other fishes, spread over the Barotse valley
in such numbers that when the waters retire all the people are employed
in cutting them up and drying them in the sun. The supply exceeds the demand,
and the land in numerous places is said to emit a most offensive smell.
Wherever you see the Zambesi in the centre of the country,
it is remarkable for the abundance of animal life in and upon its waters,
and on the adjacent banks.
We passed great numbers of hippopotami. They are very numerous
in the parts of the river where they are never hunted.
The males appear of a dark color, the females of yellowish brown.
There is not such a complete separation of the sexes among them
as among elephants. They spend most of their time in the water, lolling about
in a listless, dreamy manner. When they come out of the river by night,
they crop off the soft succulent grasses very neatly. When they blow,
they puff up the water about three feet high.
Chapter 15.
Message to Masiko, the Barotse Chief, regarding the Captives -
Navigation of the Leeambye - Capabilities of this District -
The Leeba - Flowers and Bees - Buffalo-hunt - Field for a Botanist -
Young Alligators; their savage Nature - Suspicion of the Balonda -
Sekelenke's Present - A Man and his two Wives - Hunters -
Message from Manenko, a female Chief - Mambari Traders - A Dream -
Sheakondo and his People - Teeth-filing - Desire for Butter -
Interview with Nyamoana, another female Chief - Court Etiquette -
Hair versus Wool - Increase of Superstition - Arrival of Manenko;
her Appearance and Husband - Mode of Salutation - Anklets -
Embassy, with a Present from Masiko - Roast Beef - Manioc -
Magic Lantern - Manenko an accomplished Scold:
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