Narrative of a Voyage of Discovery to Africa and Arabia, performed in His Majesty's ships Leven and Barracouta, from 1821 to 1826. Under the command of Capt. F. W. Owen, R.N

Front matter

jPETICJ&lB BANCK, CAPJE 3LOJPE - >, edfy A £*tfUy Z*K*Om, . .:.■. NARRATIVE OF A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY TO AFRICA AND ARABIA, PERFORMED BY HIS MAJESTY'S SHIPS LEVEN AND BARRACOUTA, FROM 1821 TO 1826, UNDER THE COMMAND OF CAPT. F. W. OWEN, R.N. BY CAPT. THOMAS BOTELER, R.N. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. II. LONDON: RICHARD BENTLEY, NEW BURLINGTON STREET, Stiblteljtr in ©rtltnatrn to fete tfHajestg. 1835. LONDON : PRINTFD BY SAMUEL BENTI.EY, Dorset Street, Fleet Street. CONTENTS Of THE SECOND VOLUME.

Chapter I

Departure from the Leopard's Bank. — Arrival at Mombas. — Proposal of the Natives to deliver it up to the English. — The Castle, and Inscription over the Gate. — History of Mombas. — Interview with the Shekh, Prince of Melinda, and others of the principal Inhabitants. — An Arab Meal. — The Harbour. — Its advantages in a Commercial point of view. — Discovery of the Town by the Portuguese, &c. — Departure from Mombas and Arrival at Pemba. — Capture of that Island by the Imaun of Muscat. — Arrival at Zanzibar. — A Visit in the Pinnace to the Coast of the Main. — Desertion of Four Men. — Their Fate, and that of a Boat's Crew. — Examination of Latham's Island, and Return. — Departure from Zanzibar. . . . Page 1

Chapter II

The Barracouta strikes on a Coral Reef, but gets off again without damage. — Monfia Island. — Arrival at Quiloa. — His torical Particulars of that Place. — Visit to the River Lindy. Pombe Basin. — Quindamas Bay. — Querimba Islands. — CONTENTS. IV Arrival at Oibo.— Description of the Island. — Malegasch In vasion. — Portuguese Colonists of the present day on the East Coast. — Extraordinary Mountains at the back of Al meyda. — Rejoin the Leven off Pinda Reef. — Her Opera tions since we parted. — A Fish ofthe Bonito species springs on board. — Arrival at Mozambique. — The Barracouta parts company with the Leven, and arrives off Quilimane. — Melan choly Termination of the Senna Expedition. — Imminent Danger of the Boat in passing the Bar. . Page 40

Chapter III

Arrival at St. Augustine's Bay, Madagascar. — Canoes of the Natives. — Their Construction. — The Blind Interpreter. — Tom Brahvah. — His Dress and Decorations. —Demand of Presents for the King. — Traffic on Board. — The Barra couta is joined by the Albatross. — Operations of the latter during her absence. — Visits the Chesterfield Islands. — St. Juan de Nova. — Narrow Escape from Shipwreck near the Barren Islands. — The Vessels stand into St. Augustine's Bay. — Particulars concerning the West Coast of Madagascar. — Thievish Disposition of the Natives. — Tom Planter. — Tullia Bay. — Visit from King Bahbah. — Prince Duke's Wife. — Survey of the Coast to the Northward. — First Island Murder of Messrs. Bowie and Parker by the Natives Indignation of the Crew. — Appearance of the Bodies. — La borious Survey between St. Augustine's Bay and Bemba tooka. — Nature of the Coast and Islands. — Boyana Bay. — Arrival at Bembatooka. . . . 86

Chapter IV

Bembatooka Bay. — Trade. — Jerking Beef.— The Succah lahvoes. — Heroism of the Prince of Bembatooka. — The Ovah People. — Devotion to their Country. — Interview between CONTENTS. V Rahdahmah, King of Madagascar, and Commodore Nourse. Person and Character of Rahdahmah —His Brothers. — Treaty between the English and Rahdahmah — His Good Faith. — Law of Succession to the Throne. — Female Incon tinence. — Destruction of Rahdahmah's Child. — Plurality of Wives Polite conduct of Rahdahmah. — His Enmity to Superstitious Customs ; Examples of it. — His Inflexible Justice. — • Ovah Bravery. — The Garrison. — An Ovah Sentry. ..... Page 111

Chapter V

Tananarivoo, the capital of Rahdahmah — Military discipline. — Ovah boys. — Rahdahmah's Visit to the Andromache. — Leave Bembatooka Bay. — Majambo Bay. — Arab method of jerking beef. — Arab and Malegasch Tombs. — Narreenda Bay. — Luza River. — Macaucoes. — Passandava Bay. — Peak of Matoula. — Malegasch coffins. — West Minow Islands. — The Barracouta quits Madagascar for Mombas. . 1 48

Chapter VI

Arrival at Mombas. — Lieut. Reitz's Journey to the Pun gahney. — His Death and Burial. — Arrival of the Leven, and Account of her Operations since parting. — Massacre of the Portuguese Garrison at Delagoa by the Natives. — Reception of Mombarouk and his Suite at the Isle of France. — Death of Messrs. Fisher and Durnford, Midship men. — The Leven's Survey of Madagascar, and Visit to different Islands, and to Mozambique. — Mombassian Dis honesty. — Courage. — Parental Affection. — Abstemious ness. — Cleanliness of Person. — Filth of Apparel. — Trade Allowances to the Shekh. — Condition of the Slaves. — A Mar riage Procession. — -Fabulous Pigmy Race. — Description of the Wannekas. . . . . . VI CONTENTS.

Chapter VII

Departure from Mombas. — Arrival off Juba Description of the Islands between it and Guieux Bay. — Arab and Por tuguese Ruins. — The Ship loses two Anchors. — Proceeds to Lamo for wood to make an Anchor. — Its Construction. — Return to Mombas. — Death of Mr. Williams. — The Leven visits Magadoxo and Brava. — Arab Hospitality at Mombas. — Soallese Dance. — Leave Mombas. — Partial Currents. — The Islet of Alphonze Arrival at the Sey chelles. — Description of those Islands, and of the Manners and Customs ofthe Inhabitants. — Coco de Mar. Page 214

Chapter VIII

The Leven and Barracouta leave the Seychelles for Ma dagascar. — Country between the Capes Ambre and St. Sebastian. — Waterfall. — Majunga burnt down. — Ball at Mozambique. — Portuguese Creole Women. — Capture of the Soleil at St. Augustine's. — Adventures of Charles Barrett, the Deserter. — Isle of France. . . 254

Chapter IX

Foule Point. — Prince Rafferlah. — Conveyance of Ovah Soldiers to Point L'Arc. — Account of Tamatave. — Narrow Escape of the Leven and Albatross on the Star Bank. — Transactions at Delagoa Hippopotamus Hunt. — Lieu tenant Arlett's perilous situation under the feet of an Ele phant. — Meeting at Delagoa between a Mother and her Son. — Lieutenant Farewell's Establishment at Port Natal. — King Chahcah. — Fate of Yacob and Fire. — Arrival at the Cape. — Death of Lieutenant Richard Nash, and Mr. Thomas Farley, Purser of the Leven. . . CONTENTS. VII

Chapter X

Departure from the Cape. — Dassen Island. — Arrival at Angra Pequena. — Cross erected by Bartholomew Diaz. — The Desert and Cape Negro. — Benguela. — Arrival at St. Paul de Loando. — The Ship is fired at while going in. — Account of the place. — Parting from the Leven. — The River Zaire, or Congo. — Visit from the Natives. — Their Superstitions. — Savages of the Morna Morsa side come out to attack the Pinnace, but are obliged to retreat. — Observations on the Congo. . . Page 307

Chapter XI

Difficulties opposed to our Survey of the West Coast of Africa. — Departure from the Congo. — Kabende Bay. — Goy. — Prince Jack and his Daughters. — Pirates of the Mouth of the Congo. — Scenery — Idea of the White Men. — Anecdote of Lieutenant Hawkey. — Loango Bay and its beautiful Scenery. — Notions concerning Men-of-war. — Cape Lopez. — Visit to King Passol. — His House. — Fetiche Dance. — River Gaboon. — Tradesmen. — Tom Qua Ben and Case Glass -The Women. — Harmless Battles. — Fetiche House. — Narrow Escape of the Prince of Parrot Island.* — Huts. — Trade.— Native Boats. . . . 347

Chapter XII

Arrival in Corisco Bay. — Jack Romando. — Massacre of the Crew of the Brig Chub of Liverpool. — Degraded State of the Women. — Price of a good Wife. — Extraordinary Customs.- — Broken English of the Natives. — The Author's Honesty questioned. — Cheapness of Provisions. — Inter view with the Bulla People. — Departure from Corisco. — CONTENTS. Diminutive Canoes. — Arrival at the Cameroons. — Harmat tan Haze. — A Marine drowned. — The Vessel anchors off the Bimbia. — Three instances of Treachery there. — Ill mannered Chief. — Loss of an Anchor. . Page 399

Chapter XIII

Arrival at Fernando Po. — Description of the Island, and ofthe Manners and Customs ofthe Natives. — Arrival at the River Bonny. — Palm-oil Trade. — King Peppel. — War Ca noes Fight between Slavers and the Boats of the British Squadron. — Peppel affronted. — Bonny Town. — Jewjews. — Superstitious Forms adopted by Peppel when visiting the Shipping. — Sacrifice of a Boy on the Bar. — Promotion of Captain Vidal and Lieutenant Mudge. — Arrival at the River Formaso. . . . . . .421

Chapter XIV

Remarks on the River Formoso. — Old Callabar and Del Rey. — Fish Stakes. — Observations respecting the Coast. — Description of the Cameroons and other Mountains. — Ar rival at Fernando Po. — Internal Arrangements. — Military Order. — Narrow Escape of the Principal Chief from Drown ing. — Fowls at Ten a Penny. — Description of Fernando Po. Cultivation of the Island. — The Vessels sail for Sierra Leone. — Bad Passage. — Tornado. — Arrival at Sierra Leone. ■Annoyance from Rats and Cockroaches. . NARRATIVE OF THE VOYAGE OF HIS MAJESTY'S SHIP LEVEN, &c.

Chapter I

Departure from the Leopard's Bank. — Arrival at Mombas. — Proposal of the Natives to deliver it up to the English. — The Castle, and Inscription over the Gate. — History of Mombas Interview with the Shekh, Prince of Melinda, and others of the principal Inhabitants. — An Arab Meal. — The Harbour. — Its advantages in a Commercial point of view. — Discovery of the Town by the Portuguese, &c. — Departure from Mombas and Arrival at Pemba. — Capture of that Island by the Imaun of Muscat.— Arrival at Zanzibar. — A Visit in the Pinnace to the Coast of the Main. — Desertion of Four Men. — Their Fate, and that of a Boat's Crew. — Examination of Latham's Island, and Return. — Departure from Zanzibar. Our survey of the Leopard's Bank being completed on the morning of the 28th of No vember 1823, we weighed, and proceeded to wards Mombas, passing on the way a small VOL. II.

B EMIGRATION OF CRABS. river, called Kaleif, on the banks of which, at a short distance up, there was formerly a large Arab town, which, many years ago, after being repeatedly annoyed by its more powerful neighbours, was attacked, sacked, and burnt by the Gallah, when its unfortunate inhabitants were treated with great barbarity. The whole of one day, while prosecuting our survey along the coast, the surface of the sea was covered by a small species of crab, living, but motionless, unless when disturbed. They were probably availing themselves of the strong current that ran along the shore to emigrate from one part of the coast to another. I men tioned the circumstance to some Arabs at Zan zibar, who assured me that it was a circumstance common at stated periods of the year. On the 3rd of December we arrived at the celebrated port of Mombas, on the venerable old castle of which the red flag of the Arabs was flying.

It was late when we anchored, and therefore no communication with the shore took place ; but, in the morning, the nephew of the Shekh, or Sultan, came off with a retinue of twenty-six persons, and, in the name of his uncle and the people of Mombas, begged Cap- LANDING AT MOMBAS. 3 tain Vidal to authorize them to hoist the Eng lish flag, and to place their town and territory in the hands of his Britannic Majesty. This offer required consideration, and it was agreed that the answer should be deferred until the next day, when, as Captain Vidal was indisposed, I was sent on shore to deliver it. On landing near the castle, I was completely hemmed in by a number of men and boys, who seemed determined to set no bounds to their curiosity. My sword, my hat, and every article of my apparel underwent as strict an examination as the short time I had to wait for the Shekh's nephew would admit of.

He came down with several more Arabs to escort me to the castle, the path way passing, by means of a log of wood, over a deep and apparently natural fissure in the ground to the moat, over which, opposite to the entrance of the fortress, I crossed on a mass of rock that had either always remained unhewn, or been elevated for the purpose. Here I was required to stop, until the Shekh and his divan should be ready to receive me, and Arab dila toriness allowed me abundance of time to look around. A massive portion of rock, elevated some b CASTLE OF MOMBAS. feet above that which forms, with the exception of a superficial layer of earth, the surface of the island, served as a most excellent foundation for the respectable castle which the Portuguese erected to defend it. It is hewn down below the level of the circumjacent rock, so as to form a deep and broad moat, while the ma sonry above rises as a continuation of the hewn part below, from which, until you come very near, it cannot be distinguished.

The whole exhibits the firm unity of artificial strength with that which Nature has given. The en trance, of a later erection than the rest of the building, has rather a grand and imposing effect : it stands out a little prominent, is much adorned by sculptured stone-work in high re lief; and above its large folding-door, studded with iron spikes projecting from pieces of hard wood shaped like the umbo of a shield, a large tablet bears an inscription in old Portuguese, the characters of which are almost obliterated by time, and mouldering fast into decay. It records the rebuilding of this gateway in 1635, by Captain Francisco de Sexas de Cabra, and enumerates the services rendered to the King of Portugal on the East Coast of Africa by that INTERIOR OF THE CASTLE. officer, and the rewards bestowed upon him by his sovereign.

The castle is of quadrangular form ; and, notwithstanding its great size and dilapidated state, could with little expense be rendered impregnable, especially those parts which the Arabs have allowed to remain untouched: for, so wretched is their masonry, that the application of it, in the way of repair, to the solid Portu guese erections, in most cases does more harm than good; as the narrow rents that time has made in them are far less weak than the wide spaces which the Arabs open to apply their repairs. The description of the interior of Lamo Castle will suffice for that of Mombas, excepting that in the latter the eye may always find relief from the contemplation of Arab weakness by the vicinity of some massive relic of the old Portuguese, which proudly stands exposed to view, and disgraces by the comparison the wretched assemblage of mean hovels that surround it.

Through these, after passing the large vaulted entry and Arab guard, I was conducted to a building, which appeared to have been originally occupied by the main guard ; though now, reduced in height and surfi REFLECTIONS. mounted by an Arab roof, it served as a council-chamber. The Arabs sat on large stone benches projecting from the walls ; while, as a mark of attention, two old-fashioned three cornered chairs were brought in for the accom modation of the purser and myself. The appearance of the hovels around, the ragged set that curiosity had collected at the window, and the picture of wretchedness and poverty which they exhibited to the eye of a stranger, could not fail, though I well knew that the ostentation of the Arab is chiefly con fined to the decoration of his arms, to excite my surprise.

Are these, thought I, the de scendants of the men who opposed the Portu guese in the plenitude of their power, and wrested their native territory from their grasp ; who in later times have so long coped success fully with the whole force that the I maun could bring against them ; and who, when wea ried out at last, and their small community overcome by numbers, choose, rather than sub mit to an arrogant foe, to cast themselves on the protection of a people of a faith so contrary to their own ! I could not but entertain towards them a very different feeling from that which I did for other Arabs ; dressed like these, equally INTERVIEW WITH THE SHEKH. dilatory in their general conduct, living in the same way, professing the same religion, and following the same customs; still, in the hour of danger they have risen pre-eminent.

Assisted by the Soallese, who form the largest portion of the population, and whose chief is high in command, they have ever striven, and generally with success, to maintain their rights. Even now, when reduced in power, and strip ped in great part of their possessions by the Imaun, the people of Mombas are regarded with fear and respect by the whole line of coast. It was with no slight degree of interest that we first approached it ; the rocky insulated site of its venerable castle, the surrounding fertile country, and the lofty hills at the back, all tended to increase the feeling. With the latter, in particular, we associated the idea of liberty ; for in such spots her throne has ever been reared. But I must resume my narrative. Soon after we arrived, the Shekh entered, followed by a venerable fine-looking man, who sat down with him on the elevated seat, with a long slight spear in his hand.

The Shekh was aged, tall, emaciated, and decrepid, and in his countenance, although the effects of Time appeared to have been heightened by those of HEREDITARY PRINCE OF MELINDA. care and anxiety, still there remained a mild and pleasing expression, although not totally unaccompanied by an unsettled, hesitating man ner — the general attendant on declining years. No particulars were entered into ; they seemed very anxious that Captain Vidal himself should come on shore, and they were evidently embar rassed by the circumstance that the place of meeting was too public for the nature of their communication. Previously to their adjourning to a more pri vate one, it was necessary to await the arrival of the Soallese chief, without whose sanction nothing could be finally adjusted. He presently entered, received and returned the salutes of the assembly in a most graceful manner, and then took his seat by me, having first saluted me with a hearty shake of the hand, and wel comed me in broken Portuguese to Mombas.

The appearance of this chief, who was the hereditary Prince of Melinda, was striking : his countenance was strongly expressive of activity, penetration, and a vivacity which even sixty years could not entirely repress, though they served in a slight degree to temper it ; and his silver-white moustaches presented a strong con- OFFER TO CEDE MOMBAS TO THE ENGLISH. trast to the darkness of his features, in which respect they differed but little from those of the Negro. He was of short stature, slight, and well-made, wore a large turban, and was clad in a green garment, the only one of the kind I have seen worn, except by the Governor of Zanzibar. The assembly broke up, and I was motioned to accompany the Shekh and a select few of his principal people to a small room on the rampart. After we had entered it, the door was carefully closed, and the subject of placing- Mombas un der the protection of the English was entered on.

The discussion was opened by the Shekh, the old Soallese chief, and two or three more. In an impressive manner they dwelt on the reiterated efforts of the Mombassians to maintain their small territory against foreign subjugation ; on the feeling of liberty which their success in those attempts had grafted in their minds ; and on the heart-rending idea that this was now about to be outraged, that their struggles must prove unavailing, their privileges be trampled upon, and their lives probably be sacrificed to the resentment of the Imaun of Muscat, as a punishment for their patriotism in defending OFFER TO CEDE MOMBAS TO THE ENGLISH. their native possessions from his grasp. Not a post had he gained that had not been manfully defended ; but now, oppressed by numbers, their resources cut off, and resistance no longer of any avail, they had unanimously come to the determination of delivering up their country to the English, instead of tarrying until it was for cibly wrested from them by the Imaun : for, although the former differed so widely from them in religion and manners, still, under the government of so free and commercial a country, they felt assured that Mombas must flourish.

On the contrary, under the rule of the Imaun it would quickly fall into decay ; for, independently of the severity of the first measures that would be adopted against them, they had to dread a constant system of studied insult and oppression, as totally destructive to energy as creative of idleness and sloth. The measure of delivering up the place to the English had long been contemplated, and, when agreed to unani mously, notice to that effect was transmitted in the last monsoon to Bombay, but no answer had been received. The other monsoon had set in, and the Imaun's forces were daily expected. In this emergency, they hailed our arrival as REFUSAL TO HOIST THE ENGLISH FLAG. their last resource, and hoped, under our sanction, to hoist the English ensign ; " for," resumed the old Shekh, while producing one which they had made for the purpose, " even allowing that this is not seconded by an armed force, still under it we may defy the Imaun's power."

He concluded by requesting, in the name of himself and of the people of Mombas, that I would hoist on their castle the British flag. Agreeably to the instructions which I had received from Cap tain Vidal, I objected in his name to comply with this solicitation ; offering, however, to take charge of, and to forward by the first opportunity, any letters to that effect which they might wish to send either to the Cape, Bombay, the Isle of France, or to Commodore Nourse. So many were the arguments they used, and so urgent were they in their importunities that I would grant their request, that at last I almost thought they would make me hoist the English flag, whether I would or not : however, finding that I was positive in refusing to accede to their wishes, they altered their tone, and begged that, if the captain could possibly leave his bed, he would pay them a visit.

He did so ; but the result, as may be supposed, was the ARAB REPAST. same. The conference being over, Captain Vi dal and I were invited by the Shekh's nephew to his dwelling, to partake of a repast prepared in the true Arab style. A large round wooden tray was placed on the table ; it was set out with upwards of a dozen saucers, surmounted by handsome covers, manufactured of straw dyed yellow, finely worked, and resembling pointed Chinese caps, with a ball on the top. These contained meat, fowls, and eggs, generally cut into small pieces, and prepared with sugar. There was likewise a large display of sweetmeats and rice cooked in a variety of ways, with, in general, a large mixture of cocoa nut. These dishes were as remarkable for the excellence of their taste as for the extreme cleanliness with which they were prepared.

Sherbet and cocoa-nut milk were the only beverage. As soon as Captain Vidal, the Shekh's nephew, the Soallese chief, and myself, had finished our repast, the remnants of the feast quickly vanished before the active fingers and voracious appetites of the surrounding Arabs, who, al though of the first rank, did not disdain to scramble for the largest share and the choicest bits. THE HARBOUR OF MOMBAS. Often in fancy have I sketched to myself a perfect harbour in Mombas : I found this no tion realized. It affords good riding-ground at the entrance, sheltered by an extensive reef on either side ; a harbour within, where, from its vicinity to the coast, the sea-breeze tends to preserve the health of those vessels that resort thither ; a steep rocky shore, in many places rendering wharfs unnecessary, and in others forming a shelving sandy strand, where vessels might be hauled up and careened, favoured by a rise of tide of two fathoms ; and an island three miles long and two broad, with its cliff bound ary capable of being rendered at a small expense almost impregnable ; Nature having formed it like a huge castle surrounded by a moat, over which, at the back, there is but one ford, and that a very dangerous one, and passable only at low-water spring-tide.

There are no swamps, no stagnant pools, no mud-banks, which might render it unhealthy ; no neighbouring height that might be fortified by an enemy to com mand it ; and, when assaulted, no want of pa triotism for its defence. With respect to its situation as a mercantile port, it would be presumption in me, who know COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGES. so little of it, to hazard opinions, which, com bated by others, might only serve to expose my ignorance. I shall content myself with merely stating a few facts, leaving it to others to ascertain how far they are of importance, or can be taken advantage of in a mercantile sense. One of the first considerations in commerce is the various means of transport, and the know ledge of such of these as it will be most advantageous to adopt. With Mombas, the dullest sailers, assisted by a favourable monsoon, can have a safe and speedy communication : taking advantage of the end of one, they can return equally favoured by the commencement of the next, and so vice versa ; besides being aided by the currents that in general set in the same direction as the wind.

Should a vessel be delayed until the unfavourable monsoon has set in, still she may, by standing out to sea, escape the current and make good her voyage ; and at times, even where the current sets in shore, she may, favoured by the land-wind, effect her purpose, although, generally speak ing, it is a bad place, and sometimes (as was shown in the case of Commodore Blanket and his squadron) impracticable and dangerous. OF MOMBAS. 15 English manufactures, brought out in large vessels, could be retailed from Mombas to the whole line of coast either wa)*-, by means of the Arab dows, the hire of which would be a mere trifle. The Imaun, it is true, might interfere, and prohibit the importation of such goods into the districts subject to his sovereignty ; yet that is not likely to happen, provided that the duties which he should think proper to impose were duly paid.

Occupied by the English, it would serve as an excellent half-way house to vessels bound through the Mozambique Chan nel, as a retreat from an enemy, and, in case of danger, as a port to refit at ; besides affording a refuge to the crews of vessels that might un fortunately be cast away on the coast. At present, from the English name being but little known, and this part of the coast being rarely visited by ships of our nation, should the crew survive the loss of a vessel or the avaricious treachery of the natives, it is more than pro bable that they would fall victims to the cli mate long before a chance vessel should arrive and convey them away. The navigation of the Mozambique Channel would be rendered better known, and consequently the communi- COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGES cation through that channel with the East Indies would be facilitated, as would also the opening of a trade with the west coast of Mada gascar, on the part of the inhabitants of which but little stimulus to embark in commercial pursuits appears to be required, especially now that they are under the government of a prince of such extraordinary abilities.

It is likewise to be considered that, as the Portuguese have now lost the Brazils, they will in all probability again turn their attention to their hitherto so long neglected possessions on the east coast of Africa ; in that case, the occupation of Mombas by the English must certainly be desirable. Independently of Eng land supplying the coast through Mombas with various articles of manufacture hitherto furnished principally by other countries, this territory would likewise, by the culture of grain on its fertile soil, if not totally engross, at least gain a very respectable share in, the extensive coast commerce carried on in that article. As a military post it would by its resources tend greatly to check the slave-trade, which thereabout is still carried on by the Portuguese, French, and Arabs.

The sugar-cane appears to thrive well ; vege- COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGES. 17 tables are in great abundance, and nearly every sort of fruit peculiar to warm climates may be had at Mombas, growing as often spontane ously as by culture. The Wannekahs, who inhabit the country for some miles inland, are not so blind to their interest, wild and savage as they are, as to neglect commerce ; and through them the productions of the interior might be obtained for a very trifling return. The Arabs principally confine their traffic with them to ivory ; but then they do not possess the means of the British merchants or their charac teristic energy, and consequently do not hazard speculations, which, in the first place, might require much thought, foresight, and firm ness, and, in the second, a capital to meet the loss in case of failure.