COMMERCIAL POLICY. 123 



enumerated the nutmeg of Uganda, the aromatic husks of the 

 Xylopia, the spicy seeds of various Amomums, and the wonder- 

 fully light and yet firm wood of the JEschynomene Schimperi, 

 which is here made into shields. Even the grasses are useful ; 

 from the stalks of the Eragrostis the famous mats of Kuhanda 

 are made, with their artistically blended colours, which excite 

 the astonishment of the buyers in the markets of Karagwa and 

 Unyoro. Simpler, but just as beautiful, are the small mats of 

 Uganda, without which no respectable man leaves his house, 

 for it would be unseemly to sit on the bare ground. The 

 flexibility of the material allows of a mat about six feet long 

 being made into a roll six inches in diameter without breaking 

 the tissue ; their strength and durability are also very great. 



In the district between the lakes an active trade has been 

 developed; it has been set on foot by external influences, and 

 is promoted by the inhabitants' love of commerce. Intercourse 

 of the different tribes witk one another, as well as with the 

 Arab traders, is resulting in constant efforts to open up 

 new trade routes and to create and satisfy fresh wants. The 

 Egyptian territories in the north, however, have remained in 

 these respects very far behind. In spite of our occupation of 

 the northern region, which has now lasted for many years, no 

 progress has been effected, for the unfortunate system of well- 

 guarded frontiers and a monopoly in trade, up till now looked 

 upon as the only protection against kidnapping and slave- 

 dealing, has only prevented the natural development of our 

 countries, and has done little enough to abolish the purchase 

 and sale of slaves. 



Whilst in the south civilisation is slowly advancing, and 

 land after land is being opened up to trade, our fertile moun- 

 tain districts lie fallow, and with folded arms we watch the 

 advance of commerce from south to north, when we ought to 

 be up and doing, and striving continually to open up new 

 routes for ourselves. Would it not, then, be better to break 

 loose from the old Utopian system, to say farewell to philan- 

 thropic whims, and to adapt the administration of these fruit- 

 ful lands to the development of their resources and to the 

 supply of their needs. Should these few words give an im- 

 pulse in that direction, their object will be more than realised. 



