166 LIFE OF DA VID LIVINGSTONE, LL.D. 



proper market would have a most beneficial effect, possess no stimulus for 

 exertion in cultivation. Some use is made of the river Zenza by means of 

 canoes, and considerable trade is carried on between the districts on the 

 Coanza and Loanda by the same means ; but the bars at the mouths of both 

 rivers present serious obstacles to speedy transit. 



" The country still further inland becomes gradually more open. Ambaca 

 presents an undulating surface, with ranges of mountains on each side in the 

 distance. It possesses a great number of fine little streams, which might be 

 turned to much advantage for water-power and irrigation. Both it and Pungo 

 Adongo abound in cattle. The latter seems more elevated ; for, as we cross 

 the Lotete, the boundary between the two districts, we enter upon the same 

 vegetation and trees which characterise Lunda. Wheat, grapes, and European 

 vegetables, grow in nearly the same spots with bananas and other tropical fruits. 

 Indeed, by selecting proper localities, cotton, sugar, coffee, and other products 

 of hot climates, might be raised to any amount in this fine and beautiful country, 

 together with many of the grains and fruits of colder regions. No attempts 

 have hitherto been made to develop its internal resources. It is but lately that 

 coffee-plantations were turned to as a source of wealth. Some were discovered 

 during my progress, and the actual extent of the tree is still unknown : I saw 

 it at Tala Mungongo, nearly 300 miles from the coast. Different kinds of gum 

 abound, as gum elemi, India rubber, &c, and, among metals, very superior iron 

 is found all through the country. Rich copper ore exists in the interior of 

 Ambriz, and there are indications of coal. 



" Cassange is at present the farthest inland station of the Portuguese. It 

 may be called the commercial capital of the interior. Trade in ivory and wax 

 is carried on with great vigour and success ; and large quantities of English cotton 

 goods are sent into the country beyond, by means of natives or half-blood 

 Portuguese. The merchants treat their customers with great liberality. At 

 the time I write, Captain Neves is preparing presents, consisting of cloth, beads 

 carpets, furniture, &c, of upwards of £50 value, for Matiamvo, the most 

 powerful potentate east of this. This chief lives about long. 24°, and 

 monopolises the trade which, but for him, might pass to tribes called Kanyika 

 beyond him. 



" The deep valley of Cassange is wonderfully fertile, but success in trade 

 prevents the merchants from paying any attention to agriculture. The soil, 

 so far as present experience goes, would place Mr. Mechi's pipes for liquid 

 manure at a discount, for it requires nothing but labour ; the more it is worked, 

 the more fruitful it becomes. 



" The government of the country may be described as a military one, and 

 closely resembles that which Sir Harry Smith endeavoured in vain to introduce 

 among the Kaffres. The imposts are exceedingly light, consisting of a tax of 

 eightpence on each hearth, and sixpence on each head of cattle. Something 



