CHAP. XL VALLEY OF THE ROVUMA. 301 



the Rovuma on account of the tsetse, which are found 

 from near the mouth, up as far as we could take the 

 boats. The navigation did not improve as we ascended ; 

 snags, brought down by the floods, were common, and left 

 in the channel on the sudden subsidence of the water. In 

 many places, where the river divided into two or three 

 channels, there was not water enough in any of them for 

 a boat drawing three feet, so we had to drag ours over the 

 shoals ; but we saw the river at its very lowest, and it 

 may be years before it is so dried up again. 



The valley of the Eovuma, bounded on each side by a 

 range of highlands, is from two to four miles in width, 

 and comes in a pretty straight course from the W.S.W. ; 

 but the channel of the river is winding, and now at its 

 lowest zigzagged so perversely, that frequently the boats 

 had to pass over three miles to make one in a straight 

 line. "With a full stream it must of course be much easier 

 work. Few natives were seen during the first week. 

 Their villages are concealed in the thick jungle on the 

 hill-sides, for protection from marauding slave-parties. 

 Not much of interest was observed on this part of the 

 silent and shallow river. Though feeling convinced that 

 it was unfit for navigation, except for eight months of the 

 year, we pushed on, resolved to see if, further inland, the 

 accounts we had received from different naval officers of 

 its great capabilities would prove correct ; or if, by com- 

 munication with Lake Nyassa, even the upper part could 

 be turned to account. Our exploration showed us that 

 the greatest precaution is required in those who visit new 

 countries. 



The reports we received from gentlemen, who had 

 entered the river and were well qualified to judge, were 

 that the Rovuma was infinitely superior to the Zambesi, in 

 the absence of any bar at its mouth, in its greater volume 

 of water, and in the beauty of the adjacent lands. We 



