680 WORKMEN'S WAGES. 



working the coal. The Lofubu is about 60 yards broad ; it flows 

 perennially, and at its very lowest period, which is after Septem- 

 ber, there is water about 18 inches deep, which could be navi- 

 gated in flat-bottomed boats. At the time of my visit it was full, 

 and the current was very strong. If the small cataract referred 

 to were to be avoided, the land-carriage beyond would only be 

 about two miles. The other seams farther up the river may, aft- 

 er passing the cataract, be approached more easily than that in 

 the Muatize ; as the seam, however, dips down into the stream, 

 no drainage of the mine would be required, for if water were come 

 to it would run into the stream. I did not visit the others, but 

 I was informed that there are seams in the independent native 

 territory as well as in that of the Portuguese. That in the Nake 

 is in the Banyai country, and, indeed, I have no doubt but that the 

 whole country between Zumbo and Lupata is a coal-field of at 

 least 2^° of latitude in breadth, having many faults, made during 

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

 silicified trees lying on it is of these dimensions. The planta- 

 tion in which the seam of coal exists would be valued among- the 

 Portuguese at about 60 dollars or £12, but much more would 

 probably be asked if a wealthy purchaser 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 2 yards of 

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

 if engaged by the moon, or for about 16 yards per month. For 

 masons and carpenters even, the ordinary rate is 2 yards per 

 day. This is called 1 braca. Tradesmen from Kilimane demand 

 4 bracas, or 8 yards, per day. English or American unbleached 

 calico is the only currency used. The carriage of goods up the 

 river to Tete adds about 10 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 gov- 



