he rising waters, as
we observed they also do in the Zouga. They are probably induced to make
this migration by the increased rapidity of the current dislodging them
from their old pasture-grounds higher up the river. Insects constitute
but a small portion of the food of many fish. Fine vegetable matter,
like slender mosses, growing on the bottom, is devoured greedily; and
as the fishes are dislodged from the main stream by the force of the
current, and find abundant pasture on the flooded plains, the whole
community becomes disturbed and wanders.

The mosala ('Clarias Capensis' and 'Glanis siluris'), the mullet ('Mugil
Africanus'), and other fishes, spread over the Barotse valley in such
numbers that when the waters retire all the people are employed in
cutting them up and drying them in the sun. The supply exceeds the
demand, and the land in numerous places is said to emit a most offensive
smell. Wherever you see the Zambesi in the centre of the country, it is
remarkable for the abundance of animal life in and upon its waters, and
on the adjacent banks.

We passed great numbers of hippopotami. They are very numerous in the
parts of the river where they are never hunted. The males appear of a
dark color, the females of yellowish brown. There is not such a complete
separation of the sexes among them as among elephants. They spend most
of their time in the water, lolling about in a listless, dreamy manner.
When they come out of the river by night, they crop off the soft
succulent grasses very neatly. When they blow, they puff up the water
about three feet high.

Chapter 15.

Message to Masiko, the Barotse Chief, regarding the Captives--
Navigation of the Leeambye--Capabilities of this District--The
Leeba--Flowers and Bees--Buffalo-hunt--Field for a Botanist--Young
Alligators; their savage Nature--Suspicion of the Balonda--Sekelenke's
Present--A Man and his two Wives--Hunters--Message from Manenko,
a female Chief--Mambari Traders--A Dream--Sheakondo and his
People--Teeth-filing--Desire for Butter--Interview with Nyamoana,
another female Chief--Court Etiquette--Hair versus Wool--Increase of
Superstition--Arrival of Manenko; her Appearance and Husband--Mode
of Salutation--Anklets--Embassy, with a Present from Masiko--Roast
Beef--Manioc--Magic Lantern--Manenko an accomplished Scold: compels us
to wait--Unsuccessful Zebra-hunt.

On the 27th of December we were at the confluence of the Leeba and
Leeambye (lat.