Our party having now all safely crossed the river, we immediately resumed our journey amongst thickets of underwood scarcely passable, the bushes having closed in and across the path, and joined over the narrow sheep-track for such it really was. After travelling half a mile, the path became more open, and we suddenly came upon a small lake or pond, apparently of stagnant water, with the delicate water-lily sprinkled over its surface. The sight of these beautiful flowers, coming upon us so unexpectedly, created a very pleasing sensation, for they were exactly the same as the water-lily of England. The country now opened, and the path, clear of bush, became less irksome to the traveller. I observed here that the grass had been recently burnt, and inquiring of my guide the reason of it, was informed that the whole surface was set on fire twice annually, to the extent of many square miles. This is done for the double purpose of destroying the reptiles and insects, as well as the decayed vegetable, and also to annihilate the vegetative powers of the shea butter-tree, which grows here in great abundance. At seven miles the path changed its direction to the eastward. The land was level, but exhibited no cultivation, nor any appearance of human habitation. At eight miles and a half a valley opened upon us on a gentle slope, with a brook running to the eastward. At ten miles we crossed another valley of greater depth, called by my guide, Dimodicea-takoo. On each side of the path were numerous aloes of various descriptions. The aloes which have a mark on the leaves like a partridge’s wing, were at this time in seed. My servant Maurice now begun to complain very much of pain in his head and loins, and seemed quite exhausted, although he had ridden my horse ever since I had crossed the Zoa.