440 
THE AFRICAN FEVER. 
surfaces of mud and decaying vegetable matter are exposed 
to the hot sun. The attacks of fever are, in general, not 
long, though they pull the patient down rapidly. When the 
fever is checked, strength is as quickly restored. What- 
ever may be the cause of the fever, we observed that we 
were often affected at the same time, as if from malaria, 
and particularly so during a north wind. Daily doses of 
quinine did not appear an always effective preventive ; the 
best known is constant occupation, and plenty of whole- 
some food. Though quinine was not a preventive, it was 
found invaluable for a cure as soon as pains in the back, 
sore bones, headache, yawning, quick and intermittent 
pulse, pulsations of the jugulars, with suffused eyes, hoi 
skin and foul tongue, began. 
1 he effects of African fever on certain minds are very 
curious. Cheerfulness disappears, and sadness sots in. 
The liveliest jokes cannot raise a smile. The temper is ir- 
ritable and peevish. Nothing is right. 
As it was found impossible to take the launch, with only 
ten horse power, through Kebrabasa, a demand was sent t® 
government for a stronger vessel, and it was determined t® 
attempt to explore the river Shire, a northern tributary of 
the Zambesi, which joins it about a hundred miles from the 
sea. We could not learn from any record that the Shire 
had ever been ascended by Kuropeans. As far, therefore, 
as we are concerned, the exploration was absolutely new. 
The Portuguese believe that the Manganja were brave and 
blood-thirsty savages. We started in January, 1859. 
Some duck weed was met at first, but not enough to imped* 
navigation. Around Mount Morambala none of it was 
found. At a village of a chief named Tingane, at least five 
hundred natives were collected on tho shore, and ordered 
us to stop. Dr. Livingstone went ashore, and, explaining 
the objects of the expedition, Tingane became at onee 
friendly. Tingane was an elderly, well-made man, gray- 
headed, and over six feet high. Though somewhat excited 
by our presence, he readily complied with our request t® 
