lxiv PREFATORY LETTER. 



the pursuit — venturing into woods in spite of all remon- 

 strances from the Native-guides. Not one of them, however, 

 was caught by the lions which abound throughout these 

 forests. The country had still a good supply of large game, 

 and they one day killed six buffalo-calves out of a single 

 herd they met on their way. But the climate and long- 

 continued labour began to tell upon them, and their pro- 

 gress was slow. " The rains had fallen heavily, and when 

 they lifted up the rank grass which lay over their path, 

 they felt as if a hot blast had risen against their faces : 

 everything looked unwholesome ; but they had no fever." 



On the 20th they reached Monima's village. He was 

 one of a set of great Chiefs bordering on the Portuguese 

 settlements, some of whom have obtained a place in his- 

 tory, and he was the first Chief who gave them any grounds 

 for fear. One of them has been called "the Emperor 

 Monomotapa:" but these men have few visible proofs of 

 greatness ; excepting the number of their wives and their 

 imperial acts of extortion whenever a good occasion offers. 

 Livingstone calls the government "A sort of feudal repub- 

 licanism;" for the Chiefs are elected, and never from the 

 right line of descent. The choice is made out of the late 

 Chief's relations — such for example as the sons of his brothers 

 or sisters. To keep this institution entire, the sons of the 

 reigning Chief have fewer privileges than the ordinary free 

 men. They have also training institutions at their courts, 

 which remind us of one of the customs of the ancient Persians. 



Monima received them with a haughty courtesy, seemed 

 to despise their poor presents, and told them that he had 

 absolute power over the country in their front. But there 

 was no hostility in his manner ; and his little son came to 

 see their encampment, accepted a knife, and then ran back 

 to bring them a small pot of honey. The council were more 

 hostile ; for they seemed to think that the party of travellers 

 must have some concealed treasures with them, and that 



