The
Whole Having Been Thrown Up By Volcanic Action, Is Based On A
Strong Foundation Of Granite And Other Igneous
Rocks, which are
exposed in many places in the shape of massive blocks; otherwise
the hill-range is covered in
The upper part with sandstone, and
in the bottoms with alluvial clay. This is the superficial
configuration of the land as it strikes the eye; but, knowing the
elevation of the interior plateau to be only 2500 feet above the
sea immediately on the western flank of these hills, whilst the
breath of the chain is 100 miles, the mean slope of incline of
the basal surface must be on a gradual rise of twenty feet per
mile. The hill tops and sides, where not cultivated, are well
covered with bush and small trees, amongst which the bamboo is
conspicuous; whilst the bottoms, having a soil deeper and richer,
produce fine large fig-trees of exceeding beauty, the huge
calabash, and a variety of other trees. Here, in certain places
where water is obtainable throughout the year, and wars, or
slave-hunts more properly speaking, do not disturb the industry
of the people, cultivation thrives surprisingly; but such a boon
is rarely granted them. It is in consequence of these
constantly- recurring troubles that the majority of the Wasagara
villages are built on hill-spurs, where the people can the better
resist attack, or, failing, disperse and hide effectually. The
normal habitation is the small conical hut of grass. These
compose villages, varying in number according to the influence of
their head men.
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