144 DISCOVERIES OF THE PORTUGUESE. 
As the course and origin of the Congo has ex- 
cited such extraordinary interest in Europe, it may 
not be improper to bring into one view the views, 
however imperfect, which the early Portuguese 
writers have given upon the subject. 
All descriptions agree as to the impetuosity of 
the stream of the Congo, and the vast mass of 
water which it pours into the ocean. Lopez and 
Merolla represent the breadth at its mouth not to 
fall short of twenty-eight miles. Cavazzi, however, 
gives only three leagues, which nearly agrees with 
ten miles, Mr Maxwell's estimate. The rapidity 
of the current is such, that no advantage of wind 
and tide can enable any vessel to make head against 
it. The ascent can be effected only, by first keep- 
ing close to the shore, and then getting under shel- 
ter of one of the numerous islands which lie at its 
mouth. In proceeding upwards, there occurs a 
continued succession of such islands, each of which, 
for a certain space beneath, breaks the force of the 
stream, so that those who are well acquainted with 
the river, will always find a channel which they can 
navigate, without encountering its entire force. At 
120 leagues above its mouth are found the falls or 
cataracts, which are nowhere particularly described. 
They are said, however, to be of great magnitude, 
and their noise so tremendous, as to be heard at 
the distance of eight miles. About seventy miles 
higher, near the city of Concabella, there appears, 
according to every report, to be a great union of 
