NAIROBI is situated at the far edge of the great Athi Plains and just below a range
of hills. It might about as well have been anywhere else, and perhaps better a few miles back
in the higher country. Whether the funny little narrow-gauge railroad exists for Nairobi, or
Nairobi for the railroad, it would be difficult to say. (p. 127)* * * * *
Between the station and the hotel at Nairobi is a long straight wide well-made street, nearly a
mile long, and bordered by a double row of young eucalyptus. These latter have changed the main
street of Nairobi from the sunbaked array of galvanized houses described by travellers of a half
dozen years back to a thoroughfare of great charm. The iron houses and stores are now in a
shaded background; and the attention is freed to concentrate on the vivid colouring, the incessant
movement, the great interest of the people moving to and fro. When I left Nairobi the
authorities were considering the removal of these trees, because one row of them had been planted
slightly within the legal limits of the street. What they could interfere with in a practically
horseless town I cannot imagine, but I trust this stupidity gave way to second thought. (pp 181-82)
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