272 ARRIVAL AT AMBACA. 



are not aware, besides that nervous influence which cam..* 

 constant motion to our own involuntary muscles, t&e 

 power of life-long action without fatigue. The readei will 

 remember, in connection with this insect, the case of the 

 ants already mentioned. 



December 14, — Both myself and men having recovered 

 from severe attacks of fever, we left the hospitable resi- 

 dence of Mr. Canto with a deep sense of his kindness to 

 us all, and proceeded on our way to Ambaca. (Lat. 9° 16' 

 35" S., long. 15°23'E.) 



Owing to the weakness of the men who had been sick, 

 we were able to march but short distances. Three hours 

 and a half brought us to the banks of the Caloi, a small 

 stream which flows into the Senza. 



We found, on reaching Ambaca, that the gallant old 

 soldier, Laurence Jose Marquis, had, since our passing 

 Icollo i Bengo, been promoted, on account of his stern 

 integrity, to the government of this important district. 

 The office of commandant is much coveted by the officers 

 of the line who come to Angola, not so much for the salary 

 as for the perquisites, which, when managed skilfully, in 

 the course of a few years make one rich. 



Before leaving Ambaca we received a present of ten head 

 of cattle from Mr. Schut of Loanda; and, as it shows the 

 cheapness of provisions here, I may mention that the cost 

 was only about a guinea per head. 



On crossing the Lucalla we made a detour to the south, 

 in order to visit the famous rocks of Pungo Andongo. As 

 soon as we crossed the rivulet Lotete, a change in the 

 vegetation of the country was apparent. We found trees 

 identical with those to be seen south of the Chobe. The 

 gi'ass, too, stands in tufts, and is of that kind which the 

 natives consider to be best adapted for cattle. Two species 

 of grape-bearing vines abound everywhere in this district, 

 and the influence of the good pasturage is seen in the plump 

 condition of the cattle. In all my previous inquiries re- 

 specting the vegetable products of Angola, I was invariably 



