speaking it is 1,000 miles in circumference, with an area of 40,000 square miles. It is fresh water, and subject to very severe storms indeed. There is, of course, no tide, but the lake is subject to rises and falls of as much as ten feet, probably due to rainfall ; but it is difficult to understand some of the high-water marks on the rocks in various parts. Some people have thought that these rises take place in a sort of cycle of years. The middle of the lake has only lately been explored.
All round near the shores are islands of various sizes, mostly inhabited and very fertile, the scenery for the most part being tropical. The lake abounds in fish, many very large and very good eating, and the natives, although catching a great deal near the shores, rarely venture on deep-sea fishing. They fish both with line and traps. There are many hippopotami and crocodiles. The hippopotamus is not dangerous to life if left
