for, whether in the house or without, the atmosphere
seemed loaded with an intolerable
stench. On enquiring of the natives whether
there was any. dead animal putrefying in the-
neighbourhood, they pointed to, the firewood
that was burning, and to a tree-rra species of
laurel— as that which emitted the smell. Upon
examination I found it was indeed due* to. this
strange wood, which, however, only becomes
offensive under the action of fire.
Between Kabungwé and Mtuyu, our next camp,
the country is extremely- populous, Were all
the villages we passed inhabited by brave men,
a brigade of European troops could not move
without precaution. The people, however, did
not attempt to molest us, though an enormous
number came out to stare at us and our asses.
The natives are quick to adopt nicknames.
In some places the Arabs were known by the
name of Mwana Ngombé, “ lords of cows” ; in
others, Wasambyé, or the “ uneircumcised,” because
of their Wanyamwezi followers, which
last name has penetrated over an immense re-
gion.
Majwara, Frank Pocock’s servant, upon receiving
the present of a bride from Mtesa because
he was the son of Namujurilwa, the champion
of Uganda, gave her the name of Tuma-
leo, or “ sent to-day.”
The Sarmeen of my first expedition received
NICKNAMES. l l 5
from his comrades, for his detective qualities,
the name of Kachéché, or the “weasel.”
Lukoma, who accompanied us to Muta Nzigé,
called himself Mkànga, or “ the one who looks
behind.”
Sambuzi received the title of Mta-uza, or the
“ spoiler” ; and one of his subordinates was
called Kiswaga, or “ fleet-foot.”
Kajulu’s name was formerly Ndugu Mali,
“ brother of money.”
Wadi Safeni had a young relative in the Expedition
entitled Akiir Mali, or “ one who is
wise with his money.”
Mgongo-Tembo, or “ elephant’s buck” ; Ma-
mbu, or “ noise” ; Khamis, or “ Thursday” ; Jutna,
or “ Friday” ; Muini Kheri, or “ lord of fortune” ;
Muini Pembé, or “ lord of ivory” ; and scores
of others I might mention.
In the same manner countries receive appellations
distinctive of peculiarities, such as—-
Unya-Nyembé, land of hoes.
U-Yofu, land of elephants.
Unya-Mbewa, land of goats.
Unya-Nkondo, land of sheep.
Unya-Ngo,nja, land of drums.
U-Konongo, land of travellers.
Unya-Nguruwé, land of hogs.
U-Nguru, land of mountains.
U-Kusu, land of' parrots.
U-Ganda, land of drums.
U-Lungu or U-Rungu, plain land.