DISCOVERIES OF THE PORTUGUESE. 85 
manner. On his return, he stood in still greater 
need of this hospitality. The duke of Sundi 
was on his way to court ; and, as it is the system 
of the princes in this country to seize whatever 
they find on their route, all the inhabitants had 
fled to the tops of the highest mountains, and left 
the country entirely a desert. The father arrived, 
therefore, in a very exhausted condition at Pango, 
where he was again most hospitably received, 
and every comfort and refreshment liberally af- 
forded. 
Sundi is a large province, extending along both 
banks of the Congo, from the frontiers of Pango 
to considerably beyond the cataracts. It is com- 
monly held by the eldest son of the king of Congo. 
The plains, being watered by numerous rivers, are 
exceedingly fertile ; but the country to the east 
and north is very mountainous, and inhabited by 
barbarous tribes, who owe little more than a nomi- 
nal subjection to the duke of Sundi. They agree, 
indeed, to pay a tribute ; but this tribute is scarce- 
ly ever levied, unless by force of arms. An ex- 
tensive trade passes through the country, consist- 
ing in the exchange of salt, cotton goods, and dye- 
stuffs, which come up the river, for cloths made of 
the palm tree, ivory, and furs, brought down from 
the interior. The mountains abound in mines, 
particularly of copper of a very brilliant yellow ; 
but iron, as the substance from which arms are 
