Expedition to discover the sources of the White Nile, in the years 1840, 1841, Vol. 2 (of 2)Werne, Ferdinand
History
Expedition to discover the sources of the White Nile, in the years 1840, 1841, Vol. 2 (of 2)
Werne, Ferdinand
Nile River
At eight o’clock, we set off from S. to S.W.; a quarter before
nine o’clock, from S.E. by S. to S.S.E.; on the left a hamlet. A
quarter after nine o’clock, S.E.; and we sail with the good east
wind immediately again S. and S.S.W., and make three miles. Half-past
nine o’clock, S.E. Cultivation at the right side, and a watch-house
in the tobacco plantations. It seems as if tobacco were considered,
in the opinion of our people, an article of luxury which may be taken
whenever they like, without injustice. The tobacco plantations are
sheltered here also with reed-mats erected on sticks three feet high,
as a protection against the scorching solar rays. Immediately again
S. Dancing, clapping, huzzaing, and young girls and women singing
on the right shore.
A quarter before ten o’clock. From S.S.W. to S.E. The wind is very
contrary, and drives us together to the right shore, where we make
use of the rope for a short time. The merry girls and women are
adorned with rings and necklaces; only the head is shaved, as in
the other places, and they wear no rings in their ears. They have
the sitting-skin already mentioned behind, and the narrow rahàt
before. Moreover, most of them are armed with bows and arrows,
probably for self-defence in the absence of the men. A quarter after
ten o’clock. We sail again to S. We remark no villages, and yet
there are several people on the right shore; the habitations seem,
therefore, to be up the country in the Haba. It was not till after
a quarter of an hour that a large village appeared: soon afterwards
a second, the inhabitants of which have collected on the right
shore. About eleven o’clock we double a little island on the right,
and at the left a broad gohr, with a strong fall, flows in from S.E.;
near it lies a still smaller island, like a grass-shield, bulging
out in the middle, which we also leave on the left. Half-past eleven
o’clock. From S. Libàhn, E.S.E. Herds right and left; shady roofs
on four stakes. My men have bought a large wooden drum for me, and
throw it down the shore; but several natives, who are against the
sale, jump after it, and take it back by force; it seems to be the
property of the community. Twelve o’clock. From E.S.E to S.S.W. In
the background an island ascends.
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