272 
In the Heart of Africa 
communicated the day before with the Governor of the French 
Congo, who resides at Brazzaville. As seen from the river, the 
town lies prettily situated on the high banks, which are thickly 
covered with trees and gardens. A trim, winding road leads up 
from the river to the fine Government residence, which is sur¬ 
rounded by beautiful verdant grounds, and whither we were 
conducted by two officials, who had been specially sent to receive 
us. After having been presented to the various assembled 
officials, we set out on a brief tour of inspection of the hospitals, 
schools, barracks, and other buildings, which made a very 
favourable impression on us as regards French colonial work. 
As time pressed, we departed from Brazzaville after a three 
hours’ stay, and a quick trip across the pool landed us in 
Leopoldville at noon. 
The importance of this point as the starting port of the 
shipping to the Upper Congo, as the central trading place for 
the interior and the seat of the higher administrative authorities, 
is indicated by its immense extension along the southern bank of 
the Pool. The quay was alive with traffic and the harbour was 
crowded with Congo steamers of all sizes. Some were laid up 
for cleaning and repairs. Steamers are put together here from 
iron plates made in Europe, and then launched. Close to the 
quay lies the railway terminus of the Matadi-Leopoldville Rail¬ 
way. The district chief and the commandant of the garrison 
came along to welcome the Flandre^ and handed us letters and 
newspapers from Europe, an event which always gave us pleasure. 
In the afternoon we went for a walk through the town, and were 
very much struck by the large number of factories, which 
appeared to be in a flourishing condition. During our journey 
through the Congo State we had, so far, not come into contact 
with any private enterprises. The State is the only commercial 
agency in so far as the native demand is concerned, which deals 
with the bartering in stuffs, beads, etc. The streets and houses 
in Leopoldville are clean and attractive in every way. Sleeping 
sickness forms a subject of the most vital interest; only a short 
time ago cases of trypanosomiasis were almost unknown amongst 
