MOSAMBIQUE. 
67 
said to have been formerly more frequented than the Cuama, 
(Vide Purchas, Part II, 1544,) but such changes constantly occur 
in rivers subject to tropical rains. 
From the branching off of the Luabo to Sena it is about thirty 
leagues, making the distance of that place from Quilimanci about 
two hundred and forty-seven English miles, which in the most 
favourable season may be accomplished in ten or twelve days. 
The whole course of this part of the river is much intersected with 
islands, some of which are inhabited and some occasionally over- 
flowed in the rainy season, by which their positions become 
changed, as in the Ganges, forming new channels for the direction 
of the stream. The left bank is in possession of the Portuguese, 
and the right is inhabited by independent native tribes. 
Sena is a considerable town on the southern bank of the river, 
containing altogether about two thousand inhabitants. It is 
protected by a strong fort, and is governed by a commandant, who 
at present receives his appointment direct from the Portuguese 
Government. He commands all the minor establishments on the 
river, but is himself subordinate to the Governor of Mosambiquie. 
The chief mart for gold in the interior is at Manica, about 
twenty days journey south-west from Sena, where an annual fair 
is held to which the traders resort with their merchandize. The 
first part of their j ourney lies through a country under the influence 
of the Portuguese, and the remaining part of it comprises districts 
in the hands of native tribes, which the traders are obliged to 
conciliate by frequent presents : a tribute also still continues to 
be paid to the Quiteve for his permission to carry on the trade ; 
for which purpose an annual deputation is sent from Sena to his 
K 
