The country around, as indeed all the district lying N. and N.W. of Tete, is hilly, and, the hills being covered with trees, the scenery is very picturesque.  The soil of the valleys is very fruitful and well cultivated.  There would not be much difficulty in working the coal.  The Lofubu is about 60 yards broad; it flows perennially, and at its very lowest period, which is after September, 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 farther 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 independent 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 coal-field of at least 2-1/2 Deg. of latitude in breadth, having many faults, made during the time of the igneous action.  The gray sandstone rock having silicified 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 Pounds, 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 laborers, 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 braca.  Tradesmen from Kilimane demand 4 bracas, 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 Pounds.  The annual supply of goods for trade is about 15,000 Pounds, being calico, thick brass wire, beads, gunpowder, and guns.  The quantity of the latter is, however, small, as the government of Mozambique made that article contraband after the commencement of the war.  Goods, when traded with in the tribes around the Portuguese, produce a profit of only about 10 per cent., the articles traded in being ivory and gold-dust.  A little oil and wheat are exported, but nothing else.