Chap. XXXI. 
WOEKMEN’S WAGES. 
635 
working the coal. The Lofnbu is about 60 yards broad; it flows 
perennially, and at its very lowest period, which is after Sep¬ 
tember, there is water about 18 inches deep, which could be 
navigated in flat-bottomed boats. At the time of my visit it was 
full, and the current was very strong. If the small cataract 
referred to were to be avoided, the land-carriage beyond would 
only be about two miles. The other seams further up the river 
may, after passing the cataract, be approached more easily than 
that in the Muatize; as the seam, however, dips down into the 
stream, no drainage of the mine would be required, for if water 
were come to, it would run into the stream. I did not visit the 
others, but I was informed that there are seams in the inde¬ 
pendent native territory, as well as in that of the Portuguese. 
That in the Nake, is in the Banyai country, and indeed I have no 
doubt but that the whole country between Zumbo and Lupata is a 
coalfield of at least 2^° of latitude in breadth, having many faults, 
made during the time of the igneous action. The grey sandstone 
rock having sflicified trees lying on it, is of these dimensions. 
The plantation in which the seam of coal exists, would be valued 
among the Portuguese at about 60 dollars or 12/., but much more 
would probably be asked if a wealthy purchaser appeared. They 
could not, however, raise the price very much higher, because 
estates containing coal might be had from the native owners at a 
much cheaper rate. The wages of free labourers, when employed 
in such work as gold-washing, agriculture, or digging coal, is 
2 yards of unbleached calico per day. They might be got to 
work cheaper if engaged by the moon, or for about 16 yards per 
month. For masons and carpenters even, the ordinary rate is 
2 yards per day. This is called 1 braqa. Tradesmen from Kili- 
mane demand 4 braqas, or 8 yards, per day. English or American 
unbleached calico is the only currency used. The carriage of 
goods up the river to Tete, adds about 10 per cent, to their cost. 
The usual conveyance is by means of very large canoes and 
launches built at Senna. 
The amount of merchandise brought up during the five months 
of peace previous to my visit, was of the value of 30,000 dollars, or 
about 6000/. The annual supply of goods for trade is about 15,000/., 
being cahco, thick brass-whe, beads, gunpowder, and guns. The 
quantity of the latter is, however, small, as the Government of 
