nformed 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. Trade
with the tribes beyond the exclusive ones is much better. Thirty brass
rings cost 10s. at Senna, 1 Pound at Tete, and 2 Pounds beyond the
tribes in the vicinity of Tete; these are a good price for a penful of
gold-dust of the value of 2 Pounds. The plantations of coffee, which,
previous to the commencement of the slave-trade, yielded one material
for exportation, are now deserted, and it is difficult to find a single
tree. The ind