1881.] Geography and Travels. 417 
country are not to be relied upon for regular work. 
The trade on the Lower Congo is very large and increasing. 
The highest point where traders are established is at Noki, twelve 
miles below Vivi, which can be reached by vessels drawing eigh- 
teen feet of water at any season without the least difficulty. 
Above Noki no vessels have been, but there seems littie to pre- 
vent their ascending as far as Vivi. 
The above statement of Mr. Stanley’s progress in given on the 
without loss of baggage or animals. All along the track the 
Most picturesque aspect. The valleys and. mountain slopes were 
éverywhere covered with a most magnificent tropical vegetation, 
consisting of gigantic sycamores, wild citron trees, mimosa, etc., 
densely intertwined with luxuriant creepers ; and as day after day 
ay travelers climbed the summits of mountain ranges OF de 
