ite man, but all
seemed very much afraid. Their fear, which I seldom could allay, made
them, when addressed, clap their hands with increasing vigor. Sekwebu
was the only one of the Makololo who knew this part of the country; and
this was the region which to his mind was best adapted for the residence
of a tribe. The natives generally have a good idea of the nature of the
soil and pasturage, and Sekwebu expatiated with great eloquence on the
capabilities of this part for supplying the wants of the Makololo. There
is certainly abundance of room at present in the country for thousands
and thousands more of population.

We passed near the Losito, a former encampment of the Matebele, with
whom Sekwebu had lived. At the sight of the bones of the oxen they had
devoured, and the spot where savage dances had taken place, though all
deserted now, the poor fellow burst out into a wild Matebele song.
He pointed out also a district, about two days and a half west of
Semalembue, where Sebituane had formerly dwelt. There is a hot fountain
on the hills there named "Nakalombo", which may be seen at a distance
emitting steam. "There," said Sekwebu, "had your Molekane (Sebituane)
been alive, he would have brought you to live with him. You would be
on the bank of the river, and, by taking canoes, you would at once sail
down to the Zambesi, and visit the white people at the sea."

This part is a favorite one with the Makololo, and probably it would be
a good one in which to form a centre of civilization. There is a
large, flat district of country to the north, said to be peopled by
the Bashukulompo and other tribes, who cultivate the ground to a great
extent, and raise vast quantities of grain, ground-nuts, sweet potatoes,
etc. They also grow sugar-cane. If they were certain of a market, I
believe they would not be unwilling to cultivate cotton too, but they
have not been accustomed to the peaceful pursuits of commerce. All are
fond of trade, but they have been taught none save that in ivory and
slaves.

The Kafue enters a narrow gorge close by the village of Semalembue; as
the hill on the north is called Bolengwe, I apply that name to the gorge
(lat. 15d 48' 19" S., long. 28d 22' E.). Semalembue said that he ought
to see us over the river, so he accompanied us to a pass about a mile
south of his village, and when we entered among the hills we found the
ford of the Kafue. On parting with Semalembue I put on him a shirt, and
he went away