50 
Mr Maxwell's Observations 
ced on a low open bier, moving upon small wheels, was, with 
the assistance of ropes, dragged by the assembled multitude to 
the grave,— a hole twelve feet deep. In this was an immense 
wicker basket, ready to receive the shrouded body, which being 
lowered into it by cords, the lid was closed, and the whole 
covered with earth; finally, two large elephant's tusks were 
placed over the head. A pathway led through the hollow dell, 
where the burial ground lay, and we may conclude, that the 
repository of the dead is held sacred, since the natives resist the 
strong temptation to open them offered by the great quantities 
of ivory deposited in these places. 
One of the traders shewed me a spot where he once saw a 
lion devouring an antelope, and I must needs say, the valley, 
from its awful retirement, seemed a suitable haunt for the mo- 
narch of the forest. 
Kingdom of Congo . — If the testimony of the natives may be 
relied on, the countries of Chimfooka, Angoya, Embomma, 
Loango proper, Solongo, and Sonia, at no great distance of time, 
formed part of the kingdom of Congo, the capital of which, from 
time immemorial, has been Banza Congo, (now St Salvador). 
Upon the seizure of the city by the Portuguese, and the con- 
sequent paralysation of the power that upheld the kingdom, a 
number of independent states arose from the ruins, and what- 
ever progress civilization might have made among them before 
that event, they have since remained in their present barbarous 
condition. It cannot, however, be thought that the great king- 
dom of Congo, which comprehended, in addition to those al- 
ready mentioned, the very extensive countries of Angola and 
Benguela, was ruled with the mental weakness and imbecillity, 
characteristic of these governments at present. 
Every one speaks in praise and admiration of the City of 
Congo,— its situation and extent,-— the power and grandeur of 
the King before the arrival of the Portuguese. 
So7iia .—' The people of Sonia, it is said, were obliged to 
carry burdens of white sea-sand from the beach to Banza 
Congo, one hundred and fifty miles distant, to form pleasant 
walks at the royal residence. This at last so exasperated the 
Sonia men, whose warlike and independent spirit is feared and 
respected by all the neighbouring nations, that they concealed 
