Norwich bulletin., 1916-06-22
THE WAR PRIMER By National Geographic Society

Ruanda, East AfFiea-If the reported occupation of Ruanda, German East Africa by Belgium troops from the Congo, and their establishment of tory prove to be authentic, one of the richest colonial prizes of this world war has been won by the nation which has suffered most in Europe. Con- corning this region, it's people and it's colonization possibilities, the following bulletin has been issued by the Ma tional Geographical society from it's Washington headquarters:
 .n Belgium is able to retain her hold on the Ruanda region of the German East African protectorate she will pos- sess the most denSely populated, as well as one of the most fertile and salubrious territories of Central Afrf- ca.
 sRuanda lies to the east of Lake Kiwu, through which runs the boundry line between the Upper Congo region an dtl4e German possessions. To the north lies British East Africa. The Kagera river. also known as the AL exandria Nile, flowing in irregular 5 shape, cyst. north and east, and enpty- ing into LaJS7 Victoria Nyanza, Is the eastern boundary.
 tracks of forest in Ruanda, the central portion of the territory is bare Of trees, but on the mountain slopes there is to be found wonderfully rich grass, on whiqa graze magnificent herds or catle that constitute the chief wealth of the natives. The agricultural pos- abilities of the region are almost un- ] limited.
 "One of the most striking advan- l tages of this territory is it's high all l titlde, an average of nearly a mile above sea level, so that although it l lies under an equatorial sun, the tenn perature is usually about the same as that of a warm summer day in cen- ttral Europe. Malarial mosquitoes are not known here, nor does the dread I tsetse-f1y hover over the land, bring I ing sleeping sickness to human be- | ings and quicker death to cattle. Two remarkable contrasts are to be found among Ihe natives of this region. The highly developed, intelligent Watt mems 1.-the, eH-proportioned and athletic. It is not uncommon to meet men from five feet eleven inches to seven feet two inches tall On the other hand, on the island of Kwids- chwei, in Lake Kwu, and in the bam- boo forests of Buge4e the traveller finds the pygmy Batwa tribe, whose spear carrying warriors are under five feet | in height, shy, tfnid and devoted a1- most entirely to the chase. The ab- origines belong to neither of these l tribes, however but are the Wahutu, ' The black sultan of the region. one of the worlds most powerful potentates ruling in territory held by white col onists, is a Watussi. His word, sub- l just to the censorship of the Euro 1 pean Resident or Governor, is law to I a million and a glaR people.
 There is abundant water in Ruan- l da the small mountain streams never running dry. When the grass becomes
 parched on the hil1sides the natives
 burn it off and immediately there I springs up fresh, tender pasturage for
 the cattle.
 .'The perfunctory salutation among I friends is one of the interesting cus-
 toms of the country Upon meeting they either place their arms lightly
 about the waist or else grasp each offers elbows, holding them for a l while, then enc declares wish you cattle, while the other replies, r wish
 you women'
 'grhis region was first explored in
 1894 by Count von Gofzen, formerly I Governor of German East Africa, who I came fro mthe coast as far as Lake
 K1wu, about which Arab traders had frequently brought vague reports. This
 beautiful, island dotted body of wa ter, 5000 feet above sea level, was the
 last considerable lake to be discovered
 Rusizi River, which flows south into
 inc famous Lake Tangauyfka
 'iOne of the most noted parties ol
 exploration which has visited Ruandt
 was that headed by Adolphus Fred. Il ericlE, Duke of MeclIenburg wh,
 marched through the territory wifi
 an impressive retinue of carriers fl 1907-s. In his report he said or 4hii Iregion: iRuanda iss eminently adapted sl for sco1onizaticn by white man. I'm scountry possesses al fabulous amour
 of wealth in dtssherds, to the breedinl ,j of which its pastoral people are par.
 ficulax1y devoted. llsoa gr1 culture rnas
 bescarried on in a4zen1unerative way for &the xQua1ity ofktl1e 4cattla 1tse11 <
 'ass exCel1e as3that Of the milk thec 50 that 1t is evident fhax there ls splendid opening hexe 6or the eAEab
 1isitnnt bllsznass son1 s soslas