CHAPTER V. 
INTO THE CONGO RIVER.—THE FACTORIES.-TRIP TO 
SHARK’S POINT.-THE PADRAO AND PINDA. 
HE best preparation for a first glance 
at the Congo River is to do as all do, 
to study the quaint description which 
old Purchas borrowed from the “Chro¬ 
nica da Companhia de Jesus em Portugal.” 
“ The Zaire is of such force that no ship can 
get in against the current but near to the shore; 
yea, it prevails against the ocean’s saltness three¬ 
score, and as some say, four-score miles within 
the, sea, before his proud waves yield their 
full homage, and receive that salt temper in 
token of subjection. Such is the haughty spirit 
of that stream, overrunning the low countries 
as it passeth, and swollen with conceit of daily 
conquests and daily supplies, which, in armies 
of showers, are, by the clouds, sent to his suc¬ 
cour, runnes now in a furious rage, thinking 
