274 PROFESSOR SMITH’S JOURNAL. 
Point is just before us. At this point, towards the bank 
that runs down perpendicularly 100 fathoms, the wood 
appears as if it were cut off. It is at this point that the 
river first commences its proper breadth. Shark Point 
js a narrow and unsafe anchorage. ‘The bottom is steep 
and very uneven, as we have a depth of 17 fathoms on one 
side the vessel, and a depth of 30 fathoms on the other; 
and a few fathoms father off is the whirl of the rapid cur- 
rent. ‘lhe Congo had also her anchor broken by careless- 
ness. We expect to be very busy tomorrow morning, but 
there is scarcely any hope of getting on shore. This is a 
tedious tantalizing busines. At ten o'clock this evening 
we have a bright moon-light. The dark forest and the 
white feaming surf below, present an interesting appear- 
ance. ‘The negroes have made several fires on the Point. 
About the twilight the cries of parrots were heard from 
the vessel, and large eagles hovered over the forest. It is 
rather cold (69°), and the dew falls in large drops. ‘The 
current runs at the anchorage about three knots an hour. 
July 7. Early this morning the Mafook or governor 
came on board in two canoes, with his retinue. At first 
his pretensions were very lofty. He insisted upon being 
saluted with a discharge of cannon, and on observing us 
going to breakfast, declared that he expected to be placed 
at the same table with the Captain, and endeavoured to 
make his words sufficiently impressive by haughty gesti- 
culations. Sitting on the quarter-deck in a chair covered 
with a flag, his dress consisting of a laced velvet cloak, 
a red cap, a piece of stuff round his waist, otherwise naked, 
