CHAPTER XXVI. On the Victoria Nyanza ORT FLORENCE, at which the lake station of the East African Railway has been established, is by no means the best terminus that could have been found for this road. The location is unhealthy, partly from its climatic conditions, partly from the tendency of the sewage to accumulate in the shallow inlet. A far better terminus, one seemingly prepared by nature, would have been at Port Victoria, where there is much deeper water and a more salubrious climate. The only thing in its way was the question of cost, as the road would have had to be carried considerably farther and over difficult ground. Yet, as traffic on the lake increases, the road will eventually have to be taken to that point, unless the whole level of the lake is lifted by a dam across its outlet at Ripon Falls. The landing from the railway train at Port Florence is, fortunately, not the end of civilized rapid transit in this region. From the wharf one may step on board a steamboat of spacious proportions and as neat and perfect in its appointments as if its port of entry was New York or Liverpool. Its low and wide decks are kept spotlessly clean; the crew, though of ebony complexion, are smartly dressed and very efficient under the command of skilled British officers; the table is excellent, there is a well-furnished library, together with baths, electric lights and all needed conveniences. Those who find themselves on board this modern ship in the depths of the late savage Africa, certainly have reason to bless their lucky stars that they are not confined to the crude former methods of navigation on this magnificent inland sea. Darting along at a speed of ten miles an hour upon a great freshwater lake as large as the whole of Scotland, and at an elevation higher than that of Scotland's highest mountains, is a pleasant sensation worth the journey to experience. With cool air and splendid scenery, except when out of sight of land and environed only by sea and sky, the travelers of our day Photo by Paul Thompson, N. Y. ROOSEVELT RECEIVED WITH ROYAL HONORS. This photograph shows Colonel Roosevelt reviewing a company of the Royal African Rifles at Entebbe. These soldiers a few years ago were almost naked savages, and the great change wrought by discipline is apparent. The photograph shows them drawn up for the inspection of the ex-President, an honor accorded to few civilians. Zebras are as common as deer in the jungle. Ex-President Roosevelt added them to his collection for the Smithsonian Institution . This photograph shows Colonel Roosevelt fording an African stream and reveals the denseness of the jungle through which most of the journey was made. The picture was taken by a photographer who accompanied the hunting party. Photo by Paul Thompson, N. Y. NATIVES OF UGANDA GIVE ROOSEVELT A HEARTY WELCOME. The photograph was taken of Colonel Roosevelt at Mengo and shows the native children with flags escorting the ex-President to the High |