5 
From the remotest ages, the Hindoos have carried on a trade 
with Eastern Africa. An Arabian writer assures us that they 
exported iron from Sofala in the tenth century. The same trade 
still continues; and, in 1832, numbers of Indian vessels, from 
Cutch and Malabar, were busy in collecting iron along the African 
coast. The trade between India and the eastern coast of Africa — 
which, previous to the Portuguese conquests in the sixteenth cen- 
tury, was very considerable — will probably revive, and be carried 
on in some measure in English shipping, now that the monopoly 
of the East India Company is at an end. This circumstance 
adds additional importance to Dalagda Bay, which is the only 
good harbour on the eastern coast from the Cape to the tropic ; 
it is also the point at which the industrious tribes, who possess 
the useful metals in abundance, approach nearest to the coast. 
If a traveller were to ascend the Mannees from Dalagoa Bay, 
or trace it so far as to establish its identity with the Mariqua, he 
would thereby make an addition to our geographical knowledge 
which might conduct to important consequences of a commercial 
nature. The natives of the interior, who are in the habit of deal- 
ing with the Portuguese, might be instructed where to find more 
liberal dealers, and how to conduct their trade in the manner 
most advantageous to both parties. 
If by judicious and conciliatory measures the trade of the in- 
terior were drawn towards Dalagoa Bay, the island of Inyack 
would offer a secure, convenient, and perhaps a perfectly salu- 
brious situation for a factory. 
This journey would not be attended with much danger or ex- 
pense. A traveller, appearing in the character of an ambassador, 
having in view the increase of trade, and taking care to associate 
only with the chiefs, would be sure of a hospitable reception 
from the natives. Guides would be found in Dalagoa Bay^ where 
pack oxen might also be purchased, to cany the samples of mer- 
chandise and other luggage. 
The above scheme aims at nothing immoderate or imprudent, 
and yet is capable of being easily extended, if circumstances permit. 
