Chap. XXXI. WORKMEN'S WAGES. 035 



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

 perennially, and at its very lowest period, winch is after Sep- 

 tember, there is water about 18 inches deep, which could be 

 navigated 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 further up the river 

 may, after 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 inde- 

 pendent 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 

 coalfield of at least 2^° of latitude in breadth, having many faults, 

 made during the time of the igneous action. The grey sandstone 

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

 The plantation 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 labourers, 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. Tins is called 1 braca. Tradesmen from Kili- 

 mane 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 Government of 



