rnings without something warm in the stomach. Our
drink generally was water, and if cool, nothing can equal it in a hot
climate. We usually carried a bottle of brandy rolled up in our
blankets, but that was used only as a medicine; a spoonful in hot water
before going to bed, to fend off a chill and fever. Spirits always do
harm, if the fever has fairly begun; and it is probable that brandy-and-
water has to answer for a good many of the deaths in Africa.

Mr. Rae had made gratifying progress in screwing together the "Lady
Nyassa." He had the zealous co-operation of three as fine steady workmen
as ever handled tools; and, as they were noble specimens of English
sailors, we would fain mention the names of men who are an honour to the
British navy--John Reid, John Pennell, and Richard Wilson. The reader
will excuse our doing so, but we desire to record how much they were
esteemed, and how thankful we felt for their good behaviour. The weather
was delightfully cool; and, with full confidence in those left behind, it
was with light hearts we turned our faces north. Mr. Rae accompanied us
a day in front; and, as all our party had earnestly advised that at least
two Europeans should be associated together on the journey, the steward
was at the last moment taken. Mr. Rae returned to get the "Lady Nyassa"
ready for sea; and, as she drew less water than the "Pioneer," take her
down to the ocean in October. One reason for taking the steward is worth
recording. Both he and a man named King, {5} who, though only a leading
stoker in the Navy, had been a promising student in the University of
Aberdeen, had got into that weak bloodless-looking state which residence
in the lowlands without much to do or think about often induces. The
best thing for this is change and an active life. A couple of days'
march only as far as the Mukuru-Madse, infused so much vigour into King
that he was able to walk briskly back. Consideration for the steward's
health led to his being selected for this northern journey, and the
measure was so completely successful that it was often, in the hard
march, a subject of regret that King had not been taken too. A removal
of only a hundred yards is sometimes so beneficial that it ought in
severe cases never to be omitted.

Our object now was to get away to the N.N.W., proceed parallel with Lake
Nyassa, but at a considerable distance west of it, and thus pass by the
Mazitu or Zulus near its northern e