22 
AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
In 1484 Diego Cam sailed from Elmina in quest of new 
shores on which the emblem of Portuguese dominion 
might be planted. After passing Cape St. Catherine, 
he found himself involved in a very strong current 
setting out from the land, which was still distant; 
though the water, when tasted, was found to be fresh. 
It was conjectured, therefore, that he was near the 
A TYPE OF NATIVE VILLAGE. 
mouth of a great river, which proved to be the fact. 
It has since been celebrated under the name of the 
Zaire or Congo. Diego, on reaching its southern bank, 
erected his first pillar—an event considered so memor¬ 
able that the stream itself has often, by Portuguese 
writers, been termed the “River of the Pillar.” He 
ascended its borders, opened an intercourse with the 
natives, and inquired after the residence of their sove- 
