ZANZIBAR AND MOMBASA 



II 



British East African Protectorate. Opposite to it is a large 

 island, said to be a favourite residence of pious and wealthy 

 Arabs and a seat of Arab learning. 



Mombasa is the capital of British East Africa. The island 

 is also named Mombasa, and nestles close against the mainland 

 which throws a protecting arm round it in the shape of a pro- 

 montory, called " English-Point," on the north-east. The space 

 between English- Point and the island forms Mombasa harbour. 

 Coral reefs narrow the mouth of the harbour, and every now 

 and then some vessel comes to grief. There is another harbour 



at Kilindini, which is said to be better. The island is separated 

 from the mainland by a narrow strip of the sea, which at low 

 water can be forded by wading across it. 



The coral rocks supply excellent building material, and the 

 Government is raising handsome and imposing structures to 

 serve as residences for the different Departmental Chiefs. Instead 

 of using limekilns, the natives burn their lime in the open air. 

 They construct a circular stack of faggots several feet high, 

 according to the quantity of coral to be burnt. On and about 

 it lumps of coral are piled, the stack is then tired, and the 

 coral calcined. 



Dark and grim the old Portuguese fortress frowns at the 

 water's edge and commands the entrance of Mombasa harbour. 



