xxxiv PREFATORY LETTER. 



coffee-tree grows rapidly on the outskirts, and within the 

 partial shade, of the forests. In many parts of the country, 

 especially on the banks of the Coanza, there are vast tracts 

 of land admirably fitted for the cultivation of sugar, rice 

 and cotton. Good iron mines are found and partially 

 worked in the same districts. That the uplands of the 

 Province are admirably fitted for pasture and for agriculture 

 is most certain. But the country is without carriage-roads; 

 and it is in vain to look for a great production of food 

 where there are no roads for its conveyance to a distant 

 market. 



The whole economy of the Province was vitiated by 

 the long continuance of the foreign slave-trade. The great 

 proprietors came to Angola to gain wealth, and then to 

 return to Europe. They found the export of slaves a ready 

 source of profit; and they little thought of durable improve- 

 ments of the soil, which, however promising in regard to 

 future good, could produce little gain before they left the 

 country. The one great source of wealth has now been cut 

 off; and the country is, as our Author tells us, in a state of 

 "transition from unlawful to lawful trade." But bodies 

 of men cannot at once change their habits and opinions ; 

 and the Angolese have undergone a season of inevitable 

 depression, and are again rising, it is hoped, in industry 

 and wealth. To secure this end they are above all things 

 called on to do what they ought to have done long since — to 

 make carriage-roads through the rich parts of the Pro- 

 vince ; and to complete those canals which will connect the 

 Coanza with the port of Loanda — thereby giving good water- 

 carriage to some of the most productive districts of the 

 country. There can be no lack of labourers in Angola ; 

 and it would be wise were the authorities to allow some 

 bodies of their slaves to purchase their freedom by the con- 

 struction of public works. No matter how constructed, 

 the moment there are good roads, and good water-carriage, 





