It is rather a succession of hops along the surface, made by the aid of the side fins.

It never becomes large.
Numbers of iguanos (mpulu) sit sunning themselves on overhanging branches of the trees, and splash into the water as we approach.

They are highly esteemed as an article of food, the flesh being tender and gelatinous.

The chief boatman, who occupies the stem, has in consequence a light javelin always at hand to spear them if they are not quickly out of sight.

These, and large alligators gliding in from the banks with a heavy plunge as we come round a sudden bend of the stream, were the occurrences of every hour as we sped up the river.
The rapids in the part of the river between Katima-molelo and Nameta are relieved by several reaches of still, deep water, fifteen or twenty miles long.