86 
DISCOVERIES OF THE PORTUGUESE. 
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 nominal subjection to the Duke of Sundi. 
They agree, indeed, to pay a tribute ; but this 
tribute is scarcely ever levied, unless by force of 
arms. An extensive trade passes through the 
country, consisting in the exchange of salt, cot- 
ton 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 moun» 
tains abound in mines, particularly of copper of a 
very brilliant yellow ; but iron, as the substance 
from which arms are manufactured, is the metal 
chiefly valued. Crystal is also abundant. Sundi, 
the capital, is situated about six leagues below 
the cataracts. 
The mission to Sundi was undertaken by Fa- 
thers Jerome and Bonaventure. They experienc- 
ed at first the utmost coldness and indifference ; 
nor could they, without the utmost difficulty, con- 
struct a wretched cabin of wood and straw, which 
might perform the functions of a church ; and 
when this church was completed, no one seemed 
inclined to enter it. It so happened, however^ 
