The morning call., 1892-06-27
AN AFRICAN LAKE.
InsiPid to the Taste and Infested with
Allfeators.
New York


Mir. Ernest Gedge, who has spent con-
siderable time on and around Victoria Ny
ANA, has made some very interesting obser-
vations on the lake, which is the largest
lake in Africa. Although it has been visited
By number of explorers, it is not very
accurately mapped yet. Mr.. Gedge says
the appearance Of the lake suggests the
formation at some remote period Of
a vast trough or valley. The shores
on the west side give striking Indications of
that especially in Karagwe, where the cliffs
are perpendicular, with deep water close
inshore. Nothing on the eastern or south
eTn shore suggests a volcanic action. On
the northern are outcrOpS of lava blocks.
The main visible sources of the water
supply are from three rivers which, al
though discharglng continually a certain
amount of water into the lake. are of no
great size except during the rainy season, and
they appear to be totally inadequate to
maintain the equilibrium of the lake. when
it Is considered that large volume is car
Tied of constantly by the Nile, and that the
loss through evaporation from so
large an area must be great. 1t is
probable, therefore. that the lake derives a
great deal of water from sDrings. The lake
las great depth in places. The water is
fresh and clear, although fiat and insipid TO
the taste. Fish are numerous and are
caught mostly with rod and line. Hippo
potami are not very numerous, as they con-
fine themselves generally to the coasts and
rivers. Those that are found in the lake
are extremely vicious and are much feared
by the eanOemen along the northern shores,
who, strange TO say, are unable 10 swim.
That Is no doubt due largely to the fact
that the lake is infested with alligatOrS
and it is dangerous for any one to enter its
waters.
-, 49,. 4 .s.n. .
certain seasons and are dangerous to small
craft. The storms occur usually at day
break. They are accompanied by much
thunder and lightning. Following the coast
line for a time they sweep across the lake,
raising tremendous sea, and on several Of
Mr.. Gedge's journeys mis- party was in great
danger Of swamping.
One of the remarkable phenomena he wit
messed was the apparent tide that is OBJ
served at irregular Intervals, the waves conn.,
Ing Ia and overlooking the beach in exactly
the same way as the tide on the seashore,
the rise and fall lasting from half hour to
an hour or more. That has occurred dur
ing comparative calm, while at other
times, although strong gale was setting on
shore. Gedge did not notice any difference
In the lakes level. He therefore thinks that
the phenomenon Is not attributable entirely
TO the wind backing up the water.
Another curious feature is the periodical
rise and fal', which, according to the ma
tives, takes place every % years, and Is In
dicated by the water-marks ON he stones.
At the time of his visit the lake was be-
tween and feet below high-water mark.
and the people said that certain lands under
cultivation then " ould be flooded again in
due season, and that the peninsula on which
his camp was pitched would become an
island. Similar changes Of level have been
noticed in Lake Tanganyika and Lake
Nyassa, ami it is very desirable that contin-
uous observations should be made In order
to define the real character OF the changes