(Sansevieria K irk ii) are noticeable here and there. The
average length of leaf is I to feet/and the greatest
length 2 feet; the breadth in the thickest part 6 inches.
It is non-serrated, marked by numerous channellings, the
front and back of the leaf being much mottled with
white markings and the base much incurved. The colour is
dull 'green with distinct brown edgings. I remarked that
these Sansevieria evidently love shade, clumps of them being
always found beneath the shelter-of the larger bush-trees.
Before taking leave of this part of the country, I would
remark that, although in no way comparable to the more
fertile and richer southern districts, I see no reason, provided
a permanent water-supply is obtainable, why a large portion
of these waste lands should not be brought under remunerative
cultivation. The villages marked in this area on older maps
show that Galla and other settlements must have once
existed, and frequent Masai raids may account for their total
disappearance.
The thermometer readings at Krawa on February-14, at
2, 4, and 6 p.m., were 88°, 86°, and 82° in the shade.
My head-man informed me that there existed a path used
by the Gallas, from Arbagundi on the Sabaki to Gol ban ti,
which took three days, but it was only used in wet weather, as
in the dry season there is no water ; this path is a continuation
of the caravan route leading from the interior to M’Lengo-
Baya, and thence branching off to both Jelori and Takaungu.
Evidently it must have been a road well known and frequently
used by slave-raiders in former days. The Wa-Galla use
it a good deal, travelling up and down at all seasons, going
to Makongeni for tobacco, etc. A Galla will accomplish this
distance in two days ; they have wonderful powers of endurance,
and will travel from Golbanti to Mombrui in one day.
A t Lake Krawa we camped at the old place on the knoll.
The mosquitoes were exceptionally bad that night, and could
be heard humming in myriads all round. I got badly bitten
even under a mosquito-curtain, but my poor porters, accustomed
to them as they were, had no sleep all night, and sat
around and almost in the smoke of their fires.
I started for Golbanti at 5 a.m., February 15, the path