Jan.— mar. 1858.] The Geographical Society. 



263 



they did summon courage they would loose their lives, and justly 

 enough, for trespassing upon other people's property. A large 

 gang (say 500) of good fierce negroes from Kilva (Quiboa) and 

 the southern parts, might be taught to use a proper mattock 

 instead of the child's plaything now employed, and each man 

 woul doubtless procure twelve or fifteen lbs. per diem ; but the 

 Imaum's Government would probably object, as a late treaty 

 enables it to do. The Lawahili Mtua Mkuba or muccadum of 

 the copal diggers would require propitiation, and to prevent the 

 labourers running away, it would be necessary to enter into ar- 

 rangements with all the chiefs of tribes, villages, and harbours. 

 It is to be feared that such an operation, commercially speaking, 

 would not pay. Willingly therefore as I would wish that highest 

 of meeds, the gratitude of my fellow countrymen, by reducing the 

 price of carriage-varnish, I must fairly confess it to be beyond 

 my powers. The sole remedy for the manifold diseases of this 

 Bona Terra with its Malaguns is time : — perhaps an occasional 

 East African expedition might be administered to advantage. 



We have, I am happy to say, shaken off the miasmatic fever of 

 the coast, and are ready to set out again when the rains show any 

 signs of abating. Dr. Steinhauser has not yet joined us, but we 

 are in hourly hopes of the welcome event : his presence will be a 

 no small comfort in a sickly climat,e, and where we must expect 

 to suffer from the hardships, exposure, and various incidents of 

 African exploration. 



I have the honor to be, Sir, 

 Your most obedient Servant, 



Richard F. Burton, Bombay Army, 

 Commanding E. A. Expedition. 



