This hunting requires the greatest skill, courage, and nerve that can be conceived—­double armed and threefold brass, or whatever the AEneid says.  The Makombwe are certainly a magnificent race of men, hardy and active in their habits, and well fed, as the result of their brave exploits; every muscle is well developed, and though not so tall as some tribes, their figures are compact and finely proportioned:  being a family occupation it has no doubt helped in the production of fine physical development.  Though all the people among whom they sojourn would like the profits they secure by the flesh and curved tusks, and no game is preserved, I have met with no competitors to them except the Wayeiye of Lake Ngami and adjacent rivers.

I have seen our dragoon officers perform fencing and managing their horses so dexterously that every muscle seemed trained to its fullest power and efficiency, and perhaps had they been brought up as Makombwe they might have equalled their daring and consummate skill:  but we have no sport, except perhaps Indian tiger shooting, requiring the courage and coolness this enterprise demands.  The danger may be appreciated if one remembers that no sooner is blood shed in the water than all the crocodiles below are immediately drawn up stream by the scent, and are ready to act the part of thieves in a London crowd, or worse.

8th July, 1872.—­At noon, wet bulb 66 deg., dry 74 deg..  These observations are taken from thermometers hung four feet from the ground on the cool side (south) of the house, and beneath an earthen roof with complete protection from wind and radiation.  Noon known by the shadows being nearly perpendicular.  To show what is endured by a traveller, the following register is given of the heat on a spot, four feet from the ground, protected from the wind by a reed fence, but exposed to the sun’s rays, slanting a little.

Noon.  Wet Bulb 78 deg.  Dry Bulb 102 deg. 2 P.M. 77 deg. 99 deg. 3 P.M. 78 deg. 102 deg. 4 P.M. 72 deg. 88 deg. (Agreeable marching now.) 6 P.M. 66 deg. 77 deg.

9th July, 1872.—­Clear and cold the general weather:  cold is penetrating.  War forces have gone out of M’futu and built a camp.  Fear of Mirambo rules them all:  each one is nervously anxious not to die, and in no way ashamed to own it.  The Arabs keep out of danger:  “Better to sleep in a whole skin” is their motto.

Noon.—­Spoke to Singeri about the missionary reported to be coming:  he seems to like the idea of being taught and opening up the country by way of the Nile.  I told him that all the Arabs confirmed Mtesa’s cruelties, and that his people were more to blame than he:  it was guilt before God.  In this he agreed fully, but said, “What Arab was killed?” meaning, if they did not suffer how can they complain?

6 A.M.  Wet Bulb 55 deg.  Dry Bulb 57 deg. min. 55 deg. 9 A.M. 74 deg. 82 deg.  Noon. 74 deg. 98 deg. (Now becomes too hot to march.) 3.30 P.M. 75 deg. 90 deg.

10th July, 1872.