272 In the Heart of Africa 



communicated the day before with the Governor of the French 

 Congo, who resides at Brazzaville. As seen from the river, the 

 town lies prettily situated on the high banks, which are thickly 

 covered with trees and gardens. A trim, winding road leads up 

 from the river to the fine Government residence, which is sur- 

 rounded by beautiful verdant grounds, and whither we were 

 conducted by two officials, who had been specially sent to receive 

 us. After having been presented to the various assembled 

 officials, we set out on a brief tour of inspection of the hospitals, 

 schools, barracks, and other buildings, which made a very 

 favourable impression on us as regards French colonial work. 

 As time pressed, we departed from Brazzaville after a three 

 hours' stay, and a quick trip across the pool landed us in 

 Leopoldville at noon. 



The importance of this point as the starting port of the 

 shipping to the Upper Congo, as the central trading place for 

 the interior and the seat of the higher administrative authorities, 

 is indicated by its immense extension along the southern bank of 

 the Pool. The quay was alive with traffic and the harbour was 

 crowded with Congo steamers of all sizes. Some were laid up 

 for cleaning and repairs. Steamers are put together here from 

 iron plates made in Europe, and then launched. Close to the 

 quay lies the railway terminus of the Matadi-Leopoldville Rail- 

 way. The district chief and the commandant of the garrison 

 came along to welcome the Flandre^ and handed us letters and 

 newspapers from Europe, an event which always gave us pleasure. 

 In the afternoon we went for a walk through the town, and were 

 very much struck by the large number of factories, which 

 appeared to be in a flourishing condition. During our journey 

 through the Congo State we had, so far, not come into contact 

 with any private enterprises. The State is the only commercial 

 agency in so far as the native demand is concerned, which deals 

 with the bartering in stuffs, beads, etc. The streets and houses 

 in Leopoldville are clean and attractive in every way. Sleeping 

 sickness forms a subject of the most vital interest ; only a short 

 time ago cases of trypanosomiasis were almost unknown amongst 



