418
WEST AFRICA.
a few feet above the surface skirt the ramifications of the main stream, whose current winds sluggishly through the surrounding swamps.
For the greater part of its contour on the cast, south, and west Bangweolo is separated from these riverain marshes only by a small wall of reeds 10 to 12 feet high, and across this rank vegetation, concealing a view of the lake, a track has to
Lake Bangweolo according to Giraud.
be hewn for boats with an axe. And when at last the open waters are reached the explorer has to follow for days together the monotonous shore-line formed by these tall flags tipped with tufted burrs rooted in 14 feet of water and growing over 10 feet above the surface.
