clerks and writers, their feminine delicacy of constitution enabling them to write a fine lady’s hand, a kind of writing much esteemed among the Portuguese.  They are not physically equal to the European Portuguese, but possess considerable ability; and it is said that half-castes, in the course of a few generations, return to the black color of the maternal ancestor.  The black population of Angola has become much deteriorated.  They are not so strongly formed as the independent tribes.  A large quantity of aguardiente, an inferior kind of spirit, is imported into the country, which is most injurious in its effects.  We saw many parties carrying casks of this baneful liquor to the independent chiefs beyond; and were informed that it is difficult for any trader to convey it far, carriers being in the habit of helping themselves by means of a straw, and then injecting 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 lying and thieving, as might be expected from the lowest class of a people on whom the debasing slave system has acted for two centuries.

The Bashinje, in whose country we now are, seem to possess more of the low negro character and physiognomy than either the Balonda or Basongo; their color is generally dirty black, foreheads low and compressed, noses flat and much expanded laterally, though this is partly owing to the alae 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; their 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 their agricultural products for their supplies of salt, flesh, tobacco, etc., from Bangalas.  Their clothing consists of pieces of skin, hung loosely from the girdle in front and behind.  They plait their hair fantastically.  We saw some women coming with their hair woven into the form of a European hat, and it was only by a closer inspection that its nature was detected.  Others had it arranged in tufts, with a threefold cord along the ridge of each tuft; while others, again, follow the ancient Egyptian fashion, having the whole mass of wool plaited into cords, all hanging down as far as the shoulders.  This mode, with the somewhat Egyptian cast of countenance in other parts of Londa, reminded me strongly of the paintings of that nation in the British Museum.

We had now rain every day, and the sky seldom presented that cloudless aspect and clear blue so common in the dry lands of the south.  The heavens are often overcast by large white motionless masses, which stand for hours in the same position, and the intervening spaces are filled with a milk-and-water-looking haze.  Notwithstanding these unfavorable circumstances, I obtained good observations for the longitude of this important point on both sides of the Quango, and found the river running in 9d 50’ S. lat., 18d 33’ E. long.