442 
AMBAKISTAS — BASHINJE. 
Chap. XXII. 
chances of trade in wax. I have before remarked on the know¬ 
ledge of reading and writing that these Ambaldstas possess; they 
are famed for their love of all sorts of learning within theK reach, 
a Imowledge of the history of Portugal, Portuguese law, &c. &c. 
They are remarkably keen in trade, and are sometimes called the 
Jews of Angola. They are employed as clerks and writers, their 
feminine dehcacy of constitution enabhng them to write a fine 
lady’s hand, a kind of writiug much esteemed amongst the Portu¬ 
guese. They are not physically equal to the Em’opean Portuguese, 
but possess considerable ability; and it is said that half-castes, in 
the com’se of a few generations, return to the black colour of the 
maternal ancestor. The black population of Angola has become 
much deteriorated. They are not so strongly formed as the inde¬ 
pendent tribes. A large quantity of aguardente, an inferior Idnd 
of spnit, is imported into the country, wliich is most iujurious in 
its effects. We saw many parties carrying casks of tliis baneful 
liquor to the independent cliiefs beyond; and were informed that 
it is difficult for any trader to convey it far, carriers bemg in the 
habit of helping themselves by means of a straw, and then inject¬ 
ing an equal amount of water, when near the point of delivery. 
To prevent this, it is common to see large demijohns with padlocks 
on the corks. These are frequently stolen. In fact, the carriers 
are much addicted to both lyiug and tliieving, as might be ex¬ 
pected from the lowest class of a people, on whom the debasing 
slave system has acted for two centuries. 
The Basliinje, in whose country we now are, seem to possess 
more of the low negro character and physiognomy, than either 
the Balonda or Basongo; their colour is generally dirty black, 
foreheads low and compressed, noses flat and much expanded 
laterally, though tliis is partly owing to the alge spreading over 
the cheeks; by the custom of inserting bits of sticks or reeds in 
the septum; their teeth are deformed by being filed to points; 
them lips are large. They make a nearer approach to a general 
negro appearance than any tribes I met; but I did not notice 
this on my way down. They cultivate pretty largely, and rely 
upon them agricultural products for their supplies of salt, flesh, 
tobacco, &c., from Bangalas. Their clothing consists of pieces of 
skin, hung loosely from the girdle in front and beliind. They 
plait them hair fantastically. We saw some women coming with 
