Chap. XX. 
BANKS OF THE LUCALLA. 
403 
larities.” The effort of the Marquis to improve the mode of 
manufacturmg iron was thus rendered abortive. Labour and 
subsistence are, however, so very cheap that almost any amount 
of work can be executed, at a cost that renders expensive esta- 
bhshments unnecessary. 
A party of native miners and smiths is still kept in the employ¬ 
ment of the Government, who, working the rich black magnetic 
iron-ore, produce for the Government, from 480 to 500 bars of 
good malleable kon every month. They are supported by the 
appropriation of a few thousands of a small fresh-water fish, 
called “ cacusu,” a portion of the tax levied upon the fishermen 
of the Coanza. This fish is so much relished in the country, that 
those who do not msh to eat them can easily convert them into 
money. The Commandant of the district of Massangano, for 
instance, has a right to a dish of tlmee hundred every morning, as 
part of liis salary. Shell-fish are also found in the Coanza, and 
the “ Peixemulher,” or woman-fish, of the Portuguese, which is 
probably a Manatee. 
The banks of the Lucalla are very pretty, well planted with 
orange-trees, bananas, and the palm (Mois Guineensis) which 
yields the oil of commerce. Large plantations of maize, manioc, 
and tobacco, are seen along both banks, wliich are enlivened by 
the frequent appearance of native houses embosomed in dense 
shady groves, with little boys and gnds playing about them. The 
banks are steep, the water having cut out its bed in dark red 
alluvial soil. Before every cottage a small stage is erected, to 
which the inhabitants may descend to draw water Avithout danger 
from the alligators. Some have a little palisade made in the 
water for safety from these reptiles, and others use the shell of 
the fruit of the baobab-tree attached to a pole about ten feet long, 
with Avhicli, while standing on the high bank, they may draw 
water without fear of accident. 
Many climbing plants run up the lofty silk, cotton, and baobab 
trees, and hang their beautiful floAvers in gay festoons on the 
branches. As Ave approach Massangano, the land on both banks 
of the Lucalla becomes very level, and large portions are left 
marshy after the annual floods; but all is very fertile. As an 
illustration of the strengih of the soil, I may state, that Ave saw 
tobacco-plants in gardens near the confluence eight feet high, and 
2 D 2 
