27th September, 1872.—­On at dawn.  No water expected, but we crossed three abundant supplies before we came to hill of our camp.  Much game about here.  Getting well again—­thanks.  About W. 3-3/4 hours.  No people, or marks of them.  Flowers sprouting in expectation of rains; much land burned off, but grass short yet.

28th September, 1872.—­At two hills with mushroom-topped trees on west side.  Crossed a good stream 12 feet broad and knee deep.

Buffaloes grazing.  Many of the men sick.  Whilst camping, a large musk cat broke forth among us and was killed. (Ya bude—­musk).  Musk cat (N’gawa), black with white stripes; from point of nose to tip of tail, 4 feet; height at withers, 1 foot 6 inches.

29th September, 1872.—­Through much bamboo and low hills to M’pokwa ruins and river.  The latter in a deep rent in alluvial soil.  Very hot, and many sick in consequence.  Sombala fish abundant.  Course W.

30th September, 1872.—­Away among low tree-covered hills of granite and sandstone.  Found that Bangala had assaulted the village to which we went a few days ago, and all were fugitives.  Our people found plenty of Batatas[25] in the deserted gardens.  A great help, for all were hungry.

1st October, 1872, Friday—­On through much deserted cultivation in rich damp soil.  Surrounded with low tree-covered ranges.  We saw a few people, but all are in terror.

2nd October, 1872.—­Obtained M’tama in abundance for brass wire, and remained to grind it.  The people have been without any for some days, and now rejoice in plenty.  A slight shower fell at 5 A.M., but not enough to lay the dust.

3rd October, 1872.—­Southwards, and down a steep descent into a rich valley with much green maize in ear; people friendly; but it was but one hour’s march, so we went on through hilly country S.W.  Men firing off ammunition, had to be punished.  We crossed the Katuma River in the bottom of a valley; it is 12 feet broad, and knee deep; camped in a forest.  Farjella shot a fine buffalo.  The weather disagreeably hot and sultry.

4th October, 1872.—­Over the same hilly country; the grass is burnt off, but the stalks are disagreeable.  Came to a fine valley with a large herd of zebras feeding quietly; pretty animals.  We went only an hour and a half to-day, as one sick man is carried, and it is hot and trying for all.  I feel it much internally, and am glad to more slowly.

5th October, 1872.—­Up and down mountains, very sore on legs and lungs.  Trying to save donkey’s strength I climbed and descended, and as soon as I mounted, off he set as hard as he could run, and he felt not the bridle; the saddle was loose, but I stuck on till we reached water in a bamboo hollow with spring.

6th October, 1872.—­A long bamboo valley with giraffes in it.  Range on our right stretches away from us, and that on the left dwindled down; all covered with bamboos, in tufts like other grasses; elephants eat them.  Travelled W. and by S. 2-3/4 hours.  Short marches on account of carrying one sick man.