412 workmen's wages. 



native territory as well as in that of the Portuguese Tha t 

 in the Nake is in the Banyai country; and, indeed, 1 have 

 no doubt but that the whole country between ZuirJbo and 

 Lupata is a coal-field of at least two and a half degrees 

 of latitude in breadth, having many faults, made daring 

 the time of the igneous action. The gray sandstone rock, 

 having silicified trees lying on it, is of these dimensions. 

 The plantation in which the seam of coal exists would bo 

 valued among the Portuguese at about 60 dollars, or £12 ; 

 but much more would probably be asked if a wealthy pur- 

 chaser appeared. They could not, however, raise the price 

 very much higher, because estates containing coal might 

 be had from the native owners at a much cheaper rate. 

 The wages of free laborers, when employed in such work 

 as gold-washing, agriculture, or digging coal, is two yards 

 of unbleached calico per day. They might be got to work 

 much cheajjer if engaged by the moon, or for about sixteen 

 yards per month. For masons and carpenters even, the 

 ordinary rate is two yards per day. This is called one 

 braca. Tradesmen from Kilimane demand four bracas, or 

 eight yards, per day. English or American unbleached 

 calico is the only currency used. The carriage of goods 

 up the river to Tete adds about ten per cent, to their cost. 

 The usual conveyance is by means of very large canoes 

 and launches built at Senna. 



The amount of merchandise brought up during the five 

 months of peace previous to my visit was of the value 

 of 30,000 dollars, or about £6000. The annual supply of 

 goods for trade is about £15,000, — being calico, thick 

 brass wire, beads, gunpowder, and guns. The quantity 

 of the latter is, however, small, as the Government of 

 Mozambique made that article contraband after the com- 

 mencement of the war. Goods, when traded with in. the 

 tribes around the Portuguese, produce a profit of only 

 about ten per cent., the articles traded in being ivory and 

 gold-dust. A little oil and wheat are exported, but nothing 

 else. Trade with the tribes beyond the exclusive ones is 



