352 A NATURALIST IN MID-AFRICA. 



slaves. Family and social life is impossible with- 

 out it in all Arabian countries. 



Now, both slave boys and girls are hopelessly 

 depraved. The immorality is such that probably 

 not one quarter of those who die are replaced by 

 slaves brought up in the household. Hence a per- 

 petual supply of slaves is necessary, and that is 

 the root of the slave trade. 



We in England are attempting an impossibility. 

 On the one hand, we uphold the state of Zanzibar, 

 which is based on slavery. On the other, we 

 attempt to put slavery down by our cruisers, and 

 by perfectly futile legislation at Zanzibar and 

 along the coast. 



Slavery, in fact, is a minor department of the 

 Arab question. 



Missionary work is more difficult to speak of. 

 I have known missionaries of every denomination, 

 and of every shade of character and utility. Many 

 would probably be of more use in teaching Sunday 

 schools in England, and some are so dangerous 

 and turbulent that they ought to be promptly 

 removed. 



On the other hand, I should not be alive were 

 it not for the kindness of missionaries ; and of the 

 good that is done by those who are of the right 

 temper and spirit it is impossible to speak too 

 highly. 



The .Roman Catholics, were it not for their disin- 

 genuous political methods, always perform a valu- 



