814 LIFE OF DA VID LIVINGSTONE, LL.D. 



mouth of the Zambesi, carrying with them a small steam launch, named the 

 ' Uala,' built in sections, and screwed together, so as to be easily taken to 

 pieces. Having reached the African coast, the party, with the assistance of 

 the natives, who make excellent paddlers, proceeded in boats up the Zambesi 

 and Shire until the Murchison Cataracts were reached, when eight hundred 

 carriers were employed to convey the steam launch and goods past the unna- 

 vigable parts of the river. Happily this great task, involving the porterage 

 of an iron ship and smaller craft, as well as materials for huts and enormous 

 loads of stores — was accomplished without any accident. On the 6th of 

 October last, the ' Ilala ' was successfully re-launched, and the voyage con- 

 tinued up the Shire to Lake Nyassa, which was reached on the 12th of that 

 month. Before entering the lake, Captain Young waited upon a powerful 

 African chief, M'Punda by name, who readily gave permission to settle on 

 any part of Cape Maclear. There, in some ' carefully selected and command- 

 ing spot,' to quote Dr. Stewart's words, ' where, from its position and capa- 

 bilities, it may grow into a town, and afterwards into a city, and become a 

 great centre of commerce, civilisation, and Christianity,' will be founded 

 Livingstonia. 



" The sum required to start this important enterprise successfully is esti- 

 mated at £10,000; while, to secure its permanence, £2,000 a year for five 

 years will be needed. The money has been already provided by the libe- 

 rality of the Free Church, and it would seem as if t the mission were destined 

 to be a great success. But the experiment is so unique in the annals of mis- 

 sionary enterprise, that we may safely assume that the difficulties which are 

 anticipated in connection with the founding of Livingstonia will probably 

 not occur, while others now unforeseen are likely to arise. Progress is cer- 

 tain to be slow. A suitable spot having been selected, huts will require to 

 be built. The confidence of the natives will need to be secured, and their 

 language acquired, before much solid work can be done. The district, as 

 shown by Livingstone in his ' Journals,' abounds in wooded mountains and 

 well-watered valleys, in fertile and densely-peopled plains. The field is 

 therefore an excellent one. The climate is much healthier than on the coast, 

 and on this ground not much danger is apprehended. The teachings of the 

 truths of the Gospel will go hand in hand with educational and industrial 

 training. By-and-bye, a small school will be opened ; and if the first two or 

 three years can be got over without serious losses, it is anticipated that the 

 success of the mission is certain. Its influence on the surrounding district 

 cannot be over-estimated. It will, from the first, prove a serious check to 

 the infamous slave trade which is carried on so actively in the neighbourhood 

 of Lake N} 7 assa. There are five slave dhows on the lake, and Captain Young 

 only waits the word of command to put an end to the whole accursed traffic. 

 The very sight of the British flag on Lake Nyassa, as has been remarked by 



