528 
CONGO EXPEDITION; 
somewhat from the rains and hurricanes, which 
rage during this s6ason in the northern tropic* 
This run, however, gave them an opportunity of 
observing some curious natural phenomena. The 
sea was covered with an immense number of 
shell-fish and marine insects, particularly of those 
species which give a luminous appearance to the 
ocean, so that at one time they appeared to be 
sailing in a sea of milk. The organization of the 
greater number, of these animals was so delicate, 
that they could not be preserved in spirits of 
wine. It was here found that the whole coast 
from Cape Lopez to Cape Padron had, in the 
most recent maps, been laid down in the most 
incorrect manner, being all too far to the west- 
ward y on some occasions the error amounted to 
a full degree of longitude. Instead of two rivers 
called the Cacongo and the Loango Luisa, there 
was found to be only one, occupying the place of 
the former, but bearing the name of the latter. 
On the 30th June the expedition anchored off 
Malemba Point, when several canoes came from 
the shore. The leading negro in the foremost 
one told them he was a gentleman, and his 
name was Tom Liverpool." He announced 
the approach of the Mafook, or king's merchant, 
an officer which, in this African state, might be 
considered as equivalent to that of Premier. 
That great personage, accordingly, soon made his 
