Page:Uganda By Pen and Camera.djvu/140

of rain, these palm poles are often washed away, and it becomes a somewhat difficult matter to cross. The larger rivers present a greater difficulty, as the natives have, so far, learnt nothing of permanent bridging. Their usual plan is to beat down the stem of the papyrus, which floats on the top of the water, the roots growing together as if locked, and over these to throw a few sticks or twigs, making a floating bridge, not too safe, but affording a means of crossing. The animals, birds, insects, and reptiles to be found in the streams and forests supply any amount of material for any number of entomologists, zoologists, ornithologists, and bacteriologists. There are snakes of every description; many of them non-poisonous, and all anxious to get out of the way of human beings. But the snakes make their way into houses, generally in search of rats and lizards, upon which they feed, and one does not feel too comfort-