CHAPTER VI, 
THE EASTERN COAST. 
Voyage of Vasco de Gama, — Description and conquest of Zau' 
guehar, — Settlement of Mosamhique and Sqfala» — Expeditions 
to the Gold Mines Hamilton, — Salt. 
There is no part of the African continent which 
has been less explored, or which, in fact, has ex- 
cited less interest in Europe, than the eastern 
coast. This may be, in a great measure, imputed 
to the jealous care with which the Portuguese 
guarded its approach, and withheld all informa- 
tion respecting it. The only details of its early 
discovery are found in the narratives which the 
Portuguese historians have given of the exploits 
of their countrymen in India. The first and most 
interesting voyage is that of Vasco de Gama, who 
was obliged to sail along the greater part of this 
coast before he could procure a guide across the 
ocean. In detailing his progress, we shall take 
De Barros* as our best and most authentic guide. 
On the SOth of November 1498, Gama passed 
the celebrated boundary of the Cape of Tempests, 
* Da Asia, Lib. IV. 4, 5, 6. VIII. 4, 5. 7, 8. 
