CHAPTER IX.
ON THE RESOURCES OF EASTERN AFRICA.
“Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.”
_Psalm LXVIII., v. 31._
In the foregoing pages of this work, attention has been drawn to the capabilities which East Africa offers, on its coast line, for the production of the finest cotton, by the fact of its whole sea-board being washed by that great ocean-current which subsequently, in its course on the east coast of America, obtains the name of the Gulf Stream. The wonderful effect which the heat contained in this great body of water has on the climate of England, and other more torridly-situated countries, is a fact too well attested to be disputed. For my present purpose it will be simply necessary for me to state that the long and beautiful staple of the sea-island cotton is produced by the warm yet humid atmosphere arising from the Gulf Stream, accompanied by the saline breezes on the islands and coast of America; and similarly that cotton of the sea-island quality may be likewise produced on the east coast of Africa, and the islands of the Ethiopian archipelago, bathed by this great oceanic current. In proof of which, I would point to the cotton now grown on the Seychelles, and also to that produced on the coast line of the British colony of Natal.
Labour along the whole of the east sea-board of Africa has, for more than three hundred years, been found in such abundance that it has been forcibly transported to the great continent of America and the neighbouring Antilles.
So permanent and profitable has this supply of labour been to the western inter-tropical portion of the earth, that the Europeans, Arabs, and Asiatics, located on the east sea-board of Africa, have neglected to develop the resources of the country where nature is so prolific, and have confined their attention to speedily enriching themselves, and retiring to more healthy parts of the globe, to enjoy those riches which they have rapidly amassed by supplying labour for less densely populated portions of the world.
Since 1834, when England so resolutely took her stand at the head of the nations progressing in humanity and civilization, by paying twenty millions sterling for the liberation of her slaves, a gradual but visible change for the better has taken place in the state of the natives of Eastern Africa and the neighbouring archipelago.
In Mauritius slavery has entirely ceased, so also in its dependency of the Seychelles.
Madagascar has had the gospel of Jesus Christ preached on its soil; the germ of civilization has been planted in that extensive island; and the slave-trade is no longer tolerated among the Malagasy people.
In the African dominions of the Imâm of Muskat the slave-trade is forbidden; spice-gardens have arisen, the cocoa-nut is cultivated, and large exports of simsim seed annually take place.
In the south-eastern portion of the continent the small but rapidly-developing British colony of Natal has been established, forming a nucleus of civilization, which is already beginning to have a visible effect on the amelioration of the state of the natives of that portion of Africa.
The discoveries of Dr. Livingstone have drawn attention to the vast interior of that continent, to which access may be obtained by the Zambesi and other rivers, which are soon destined to become highways of commerce and civilization; while recent events on the east coast of Africa have arrested the attention of civilized communities, and commerce seeks for instruction as to the productions of this portion of the world, in order that with her enterprise and fostering care the nations of that continent may be brought into close connection with the other portions of our globe.
I have already, in the course of these pages, touched upon the productions of Eastern Africa, following the coast as high as the city of Mozambique, and I propose now briefly continuing that account as far as Cape Guardafui, and thence up the Red Sea to Suez.
The natives from the far interior bring down to Messuril, on the mainland, opposite the city of Mozambique, every year, gold, silver, ivory, wax, skins, and malachite, the latter in considerable quantities—showing that there are mines of copper in the Monomoises’ country.
In 1856 many of these natives who came down to trade were seized by the Portuguese to supply the (so-called) French Free-Labour Emigration, since which occurrence they have not made their appearance at Messuril.
When Mozambique was in the hands of the Arabs, an important trade was carried on between it, Arabia, and India; but for the last two hundred years, under its present rulers, the trade, principally carried on by Banyans to Cutch and Goâ, has been gradually decreasing.
At present it exports ivory, annually two hundred and fifty thousand pounds, bees-wax, sesame seed, orchella, rhinoceros horns, cocoa-nut oil, castor oil, ground-nut oil, coir, arrowroot, sago, coffee, tortoise-shell, indigo of inferior quality (from ignorance in manufacturing it), and a spirit made from the cachu.
There are large plantations of cocoa-nut trees, which for the last three years have been much neglected; coffee plantations, likewise in the same position; and a coir manufactory has for the same period of time ceased to work: all caused by the new impetus given to the slave-trade, under the denomination of French Free-Labour Emigration, which was established in 1854.
Some few of the residents at Mozambique I induced to clear away and cultivate the cotton shrubs; and, with the intention of encouraging legitimate commerce, I wrote to H.M. Ambassador in the United States, and also to the Chamber of Commerce of Manchester, asking for the three descriptions of cotton seeds—viz., the _Nankin_, _green seed_, and _sea island_—intending to send the two former into the interior, and to plant the “sea-island” on the coast, where the saline breezes from the ocean would favour its growth.
Having discovered the mulberry tree growing close to my house on the mainland, and that it was indigenous to the soil, I wrote to England for eggs of the silkworm, and addressed a letter to His Excellency the Governor of Bombay, praying his lordship to send me some eggs of the Tussah and other moths indicated in my letter.
Similarly I drew the attention of His Excellency the Governor-general of Mozambique to a very important discovery which I had made, and of which the Portuguese were entirely ignorant, viz., that both the gutta-percha tree, and also a tree yielding india-rubber, were to be found in large numbers on the banks of the Zambesi; and after having pointed out to him the commercial value of these trees, I begged him to issue an order forbidding any gutta-percha trees to be cut down—but, instead, pointing out that they should be tapped longitudinally, by which the supply would indeed be less, but permanent; whereas, if cut down for the purpose of extracting the juice, these trees, as at Singapore, would, in the course of a few years, disappear.
The present enlightened Governor-general of Mozambique, Colonel Almeida, responded to my endeavours by drawing attention to my communication in the official bulletin, calling upon all proprietors to preserve and increase the mulberry trees, and by inserting an article on the gutta-percha and india-rubber trees in the Bulletin.
Ibo, in latitude 12° 20′ S. and longitude 40° 38′ E., is admirably situated for trade. At present it is the great warehouse for slaves.
Zanzibar, the capital of the African dominions of the Imâm of Muskat, in latitude 6° 28′ S. and longitude 39° 33′ E., exports gold, ivory, drugs, coir, cocoa-nuts, gums, bees-wax, tortoise-shell, spice, rice from Pemba, sesame-seed from Angoxa, and a great quantity of timber annually to the Red Sea and Persian Gulf.
In 1818 cloves were introduced into Zanzibar from Mauritius; they thrive so well that the cultivation of them has in a great measure superseded that of the sugar-cane, and even the cocoa-nut.
The imports are—Surat and Dunjaree cloths from Cutch; iron, sugar, and rice from Bombay; salt fish and ghee from Socotra; cloths, cotton, china-ware, earthen jars, toys, and ornaments from Surat; dates from the Gulf of Persia; ivory, drugs, bees-wax, tortoise-shell, gums, and sesame-seed, from Angoxa and other parts of the coast. These imports may be valued at 500,000_l._ per annum.
Mombas and Melinda are both well adapted for trade, which at one time was of considerable importance between these places and India and Arabia; but Melinda, in less than a century after it had been conquered by the Portuguese, ceased to be a place of any importance.
Lamu, in latitude 2° 15′ 45″ S., and longitude 41° 1′ 5″ E., is a place of considerable trade, more especially in hides and the general exports from Zanzibar. Brava, in latitude 1° 6′ 40″ N. and longitude 44° 3′ E., carries on a considerable trade with India and Arabia, and a rapidly-increasing one with America.
The exports are—hides, bullocks, horses, and camels, oil from the joints of camels, salt beef, great varieties of the skins of wild animals, taken by Gallas who go from Zanzibar to Cape Guardafui. Small horses, purchased here from five to six dollars each, will realize from sixty to seventy dollars at the Mauritius.
The Sumalis inhabit the sea coast north from the equator, round Cape Guardafui to Zeyla; the whole of this vast extent of country is but little known to us.
The kingdom of Kimweri, or Usambara, more generally known as the Pangany district, is rich in produce, which may be increased to supply any demand. The sugar-cane is very luxuriant in its growth, and forests of magnificent timber await the woodman’s axe, with the Pangany and its tributaries to carry it to the ocean.
Dr. Krapf, in describing one of these forests, writes, “This forest is worth millions of money for its fine, long, and straight timber, being as useful for ship-building as for carpentering;” and again, “We descended into a large forest of timber, sufficient for centuries to come. The trees are big and straight, from 70 to 100 feet in height.”
The recent discoveries of Captains Burton and Speke, in the country immediately to the south of this, throw a new light on a region hitherto wrapped in the deepest mystery, and give access into the far interior, even to the Victoria Tanganyka lake, and perhaps to the sources of the Nile.
To the northward of Malinda the river Dana, under the name of Osi, reaches the Indian Ocean. It is stated to flow from the eastern side of Mount Kenia; that it is navigable for boats, from the India Ocean to the Ukambani country; that there are no rocks in the way of navigation, and that even during the dry season the water reaches as high as a man’s neck, while during the rains it cannot be forded. Its ordinary breadth is two hundred yards, and it is the privilege of the people of Mbé to carry strangers proceeding to Kikuyu, or other countries, from one bank to another.
A small steamer placed on this river would soon open the country to European commerce; and from the source of the Dana to that of the White Nile can be no great distance.
By the Dana, or Kilimansi, is assuredly the most direct route for settling the great geographical question of the sources of the Nile.
About 200 miles from Cape Guardafui lies the island of Socotra, the principal commercial products of which are derived from the wild plants, and are aloes and dragon’s-blood. The aloe plant (_Aloe spicata_ or _Socotrina_) in the western districts covers the hills for many miles, at an elevation of from 500 to 2000 feet above the plains. This aloe is also to be found along the whole east coast of Africa, even as far south as the Cape of Good Hope. The dragon’s-blood tree also grows on the western portion of Socotra, at an elevation of from 800 to 2000 feet; and, as well as the aloe, is in such abundance that at least ten times the quantity of these drugs which at present is exported from the island might be easily procured.
Berbera has been for centuries the outlet for north-eastern Africa, and especially Harrar. In former times it was one of the numerous emporia of the Arabs at the entrance of the Red Sea, and its harbour is by no means ill-adapted for steam communication.
Zeyla, or Zeïla, if properly encouraged by the British Government, would be a very good outport, as the descent to that place from the interior is easier than to Massoa, and it is the best outlet of ancient Ethiopia. It is situated opposite Aden, where steam communication would place its productions at once in European markets.
A great trade may be carried on at Zeyla in all the produce of Abyssinia; viz., gold, ivory, coffee, gums, musk, ostrich-feathers, neats’-foot oil from the wild animals (quantities of it are sent to America), tallow, hides, horns, hoofs, &c. Fairs are held at Zeyla in April and October, at which mules are sold very cheap, and, if purchased here for Réunion and Mauritius, they would have the advantage of avoiding the Red Sea passage.
Mocha and Jedda, in Arabia, are already too well known to require any notice but that of their names.
Massoa, the national outport of Abyssinia, in consequence of the descent from the interior being so easy, exports ivory, musk, wax, coffee, senna, linseed, ostrich-feathers, &c., and carries on a large trade with Jedda. The imports are of the value of about four hundred thousand dollars per annum.
Suez has already become a place of vast importance, foreshadowing the future greatness which awaits it, when the Egyptian transit shall be completed, and leviathan ships like the “Great Eastern,” on a trunk line to India and China, will make that port their western terminus, and Suez and Alexandria become the emporia of the East and West.
Having thus briefly stated what articles of commerce Eastern Africa can produce, I feel that it would be a very imperfect notice of this portion of the earth’s productions, were I to omit the valuable islands on the coast.
In the Mozambique Channel, Europa Island stands conspicuous, from its central position in the southern end of this channel. At present it is used as a place of resort for dhows from the whole of the eastern coast of Africa, to land their cargoes of slaves, here awaiting some large European vessel to carry them to their future place of bondage.
This island is well situated for a lighthouse and a depôt, which would command the trade of the Mozambique Channel both on the African and the Madagascar coasts.
On the north side there is a good anchorage, plenty of water and fuel, fish in abundance, turtle, and also land-turtle; and the island has also orchella weed on it. From its insular position there is an entire absence of _miasmata_.
Reference has already been made to the Comoro Islands, Seychelles, and Madagascar, called the Great Britain of Africa.
Having thus briefly pointed out the resources of Eastern Africa, let us consider the best means for the development of them.
At present the mail, by way of the Atlantic Ocean, reaches the Cape of Good Hope in thirty-five days, and Natal in forty days.
When at Mozambique in 1857, I wrote to Sir Roderick Murchison, the President of the Royal Geographical Society, proposing that the mail should be carried to those two British colonies by way of Aden, touching, on the way down the east coast of Africa, at Zanzibar and Mozambique. By this route a letter would reach Natal in twenty-five days, and the Cape of Good Hope in thirty days. A line of light would be thrown along the whole east coast of Africa, now darkened by the mist of ages, and polluted by the traffic in human beings; an inter-colonial trade would be established between the British colonies in South Africa, the Portuguese settlements, and the rich Sumali possessions of the Imâm of Muskat, and the slave-trade would be entirely superseded by legitimate commerce. In the presidential address of Sir Roderick Murchison, delivered before the Royal Geographical Society this year, mention is made of this route, and I am in hopes that it may soon be adopted for the carriage of the mail; more especially as the electric telegraph is now working at Aden, from which place a steamer might convey a message to Cape Town in fourteen days.[8]
This route once established, the merchants of the Cape and Natal could visit Mozambique and Zanzibar, and establish houses at those places, where they would have a good climate during seven months of the year, which is the healthy as well as the trading season, viz., from the end of April to the month of November. By the establishment of this route there is nothing in the climate to prevent merchants from Europe annually visiting their establishments, and personally supervising the prosperity of their factories for trade.
In the accompanying chart of Eastern Africa I have laid down a series of electric cables, as proposed by me for connecting Great Britain with the South and East African British colonies by way of Aden. This is by no means in advance of the requirements of the times; for, at this moment, we are completing the telegraphic communication with London and Bombay; and the enterprising colonists of Natal have, for more than two years, resolved upon connecting themselves, by means of a cable, with the neighbouring wealthy colony of Mauritius. Telegraphic communication is fully contemplated between Graham’s Town and Petermaritzburg, the capital of Natal, and there is nothing in the intervening space between Mauritius and Aden, by way of the Seychelles and Abd-el-Kuri, or Cape Guardafui, either as to distance or depth of water, to render this proposed electric route to the Cape Colony either impracticable, _doubtful_, or _hazardous_.
The advantages, both politically and commercially, which such a communication will afford to the mother country, by uniting it with its rich African colonies, through our own possessions of Aden, Seychelles, and Mauritius, are too apparent to be dwelt upon, and of too vital importance to British interests in the Indian Ocean to be neglected.
Along the whole of the east coast of Africa, and the island of Madagascar, we are outstripped by the Americans, Germans, and French.
Almost the whole of the ivory-trade is now in the hands of the Americans.
Large quantities of beef are salted down on the west coast of Madagascar, and taken to America; hides, horns, hoofs, and tallow find a ready market there, while the French take the oils and oil-seeds. One Hamburg house sends annually fourteen vessels to Zanzibar, ordered to call at Mozambique since a British consul is established there, for cargoes of cowries, with which they proceed to the rivers on the west coast of Africa, and purchase cargoes of palm-oil.
Few British vessels are seen in these parts—as, in the first place, the trade is unknown in England, and, secondly, British merchants consider that, at present, there is a degree of risk and uncertainty attending any ventures in a portion of the world where our commerce is wholly unprotected, and where, hitherto, vessels have been seized, and redress has been sought but not obtained.
In the proper quarter I have already suggested that, for the development of the resources of Eastern Africa, and the opening up of a highly remunerative trade for Great Britain, a consular officer should be appointed from Natal to Suez, including Madagascar and the other islands on that coast; that he should be furnished with a small steamer, which would be entirely for the consular service—by which means the whole coast could be constantly visited, our trade encouraged, new markets for our manufactures made known, and our acquaintance with Eastern Africa become more intimate in a few years than it would be in a century by any other mode of procedure.
At first sight the expense attending a vessel for that service may apparently cause an objection; but when we reflect upon the great results to which such an appointment must lead, and its obviating the necessity of a cordon of consular agents on such a coast, with the accompanying expenses and sacrifice of valuable lives, I feel assured that the country will cheerfully respond to the call which it is hoped the merchants of Great Britain will make upon the legislature.
The young Prince Madji, who has inherited the rich Sumali possessions of the late Imâm of Muskat, has declared his intentions resolutely to follow in the steps of his great father, by discouraging and eventually abolishing the traffic in our fellow-beings.
The facts stated in the foregoing pages of this work having been brought under the notice of Napoleon III., by the circumstances attending the seizure of the celebrated “CHARLES ET GEORGES,” the Emperor addressed the following loyal letter to his cousin:—
“To PRINCE NAPOLEON, “Minister of Algeria and the Colonies.
“St. Cloud, Oct. 30, 1858.
“MY DEAR COUSIN,
“I have the liveliest desire that, at the moment when the differences with Portugal relative to the ‘Charles et Georges’ have terminated, the question of the engagement of free labourers on the African coast should be definitely examined, and finally settled on the truest principles of humanity and justice. I energetically claimed from Portugal the restitution of the ‘Charles et Georges’ because I will always maintain intact the independence of the national flag; but, in this case even, it was only with the profound conviction of my right that I risked with the King of Portugal a rupture of those friendly relations which I am glad to maintain with him. But as to the principle of the engagement of the negroes, my ideas are far from being settled. If, in truth, labourers recruited on the African coast are not allowed the exercise of their free will, and if this enrolment is only the slave-trade in disguise, I will allow it on no terms; for it is not I who will anywhere protect enterprises contrary to progress, to humanity, and to civilization. I beg you, then, to seek out the truth with the zeal and intelligence which you bring to bear on all affairs about which you employ yourself. And as the best method of putting a stop to what is a continual cause of dispute would be to substitute the free labour of Indian coolies for that of the negroes, I beg you to come to an understanding with the Minister for Foreign Affairs to resume with the English Government the negotiations which were entered upon a few months ago. On this, my dear cousin, I pray God to have you in his holy keeping.
“NAPOLEON.”
In the above letter the Emperor Napoleon emphatically states, “If, in truth, labourers recruited on the African coast are not allowed the use of their free will, and if this enrolment is only the slave-trade in disguise, I will have it on no terms; for it is not I who will anywhere protect enterprises contrary to progress, to humanity, and to civilization.” Admitting, on the one hand, that he may have been deceived by those who had induced him to believe that free labour might be obtained on the east coast of Africa without re-establishing the slave-trade, on the other hand, he approved of that policy adopted by Great Britain in Eastern Africa, which had for its result the thus forcibly bringing before the world the horrors which were being renewed by this so-called Free Labour Emigration.
No higher approval of the conduct of the British functionary who had pursued the path of duty, undaunted by continued persecution, could have been afforded to the world; while the subsequent decree, ordering this traffic to cease on the east coast of Africa, proved the loyalty of Napoleon, and prepared Europe to hail in him the liberator of Central Italy.
The two greatest powers of Europe have resolved that Africa shall have the opportunity of developing her own material resources; and it now only remains for Portugal to prove that her professions for the abolition of the slave-trade are as sincere and as loyal as the great head of the French nation has shown his to be.
Our beloved Queen succeeded to the throne on the 20th of June, 1837, and was crowned sovereign of these realms at Westminster, June 28, 1838. Great Britain had previously to that, in 1834, voted twenty millions sterling for the liberation of the slaves throughout our colonies; but still a large number of our fellow-beings groaned in slavery under the apprenticeship system. On the 1st of August, 1838, the first returning anniversary, after the Queen’s coronation, of that auspicious day when the house of Brunswick ascended the throne of these realms, the world beheld the sublime spectacle of the Virgin Queen of Great Britain pronouncing on earth the will of heaven, that—Slavery in every form should cease where Britain ruled; and Queen Victoria, on that day, made eight hundred thousand _slaves_ eight hundred thousand loyal subjects—thus inseparably uniting the HOUSE OF BRUNSWICK with the imperishable monument of ENGLAND’S GREATEST DEED.
In distant ages, when the glories of the “Isles of the West” are told, the memory of BOADICEA, the Queen of the British Iceni, who boldly met the invading Roman legions, may be forgotten; so, likewise, that of QUEEN ELIZABETH and the Spanish Armada may fade from the memory of man; but while the world lasts, and humanity has a heart for other’s woes, the tale of VICTORIA AND THE SLAVE shall not pass away, while generations yet unborn will exclaim: “Blessed art thou among women.”
With such an inspiring example before him, is it possible that the young King of Portugal can pause in the course which duty, interest, and humanity alike dictate? No! Dom Pedro the Fifth will now see slavery as it exists in his African dominions; his decree will go forth that slavery shall cease wherever the Portuguese flag flies; he will thus ally the House of BRAGANZA with that of BRUNSWICK by ties more indissoluble than those of blood—namely, the memory of good deeds. The curse of slavery shall pass away from his land; Portugal will again resume her position among the first powers of civilization, and admiring posterity will point to Dom Pedro the Fifth as the regenerator of Portugal and the saviour of Africa.
APPENDIX.
A.
The reader’s attention is called to the following note from “Buxton on the Slave-trade,” London, 1839, in connection with the accompanying notice of trees, shrubs, and plants to be found on the Zambesi:—
“Many beautiful kinds of wood have been discovered by accident amongst the billets of fire-wood brought home in the slave-ships of Liverpool. Mr. Clarkson gives the following anecdote in his ‘Impolicy of the Slave-Trade.’ After mentioning the tulip-wood, and others found in this manner, he says:—‘About the same time in which this log was discovered (A.D. 1787), another wood vessel, belonging to the same port, brought home the specimen of the bark of a tree that produced a very valuable yellow dye, and far beyond any other ever in use in this country. The virtues of it were discovered in the following manner:—A gentleman resident upon the coast ordered some wood to be cut down to erect a hut. While the people were felling it he was standing by; during the operation some juice flew from the bark of it, and stained one of the ruffles of his shirt. He thought that the stain would have washed out, but, on wearing it again, found that the yellow spot was much more bright and beautiful than before, and that it gained in lustre every subsequent time of washing. Pleased with the discovery, which he knew to be of so much importance to the manufacturers of Great Britain, and for which a considerable premium had been offered, he sent home the bark now mentioned as a specimen. He is since, unfortunately, dead, and little hopes are to be entertained of falling in with this tree again, unless a similar accident should discover it, or a change should take place in our commercial concerns with Africa.
“I shall now mention another valuable wood, which, like all those that have been pointed out, was discovered by accident in the same year. Another wood vessel, belonging to the same port, was discharging her cargo; among the barwood a small billet was discovered, the colour of which was so superior to that of the rest, as to lead the observer to suspect that it was of a very different species, though it is clear that the natives, by cutting it off the same size and dimensions, and by bringing it on board at the same time, had, on account of its red colour, mistaken it for the other. One half of the billet was cut away in experiments. It was found to produce a colour that emulated the carmine, and was deemed to be so valuable in the dyeing trade, that an offer was immediately made of sixty guineas per ton for any quantity that could be procured. The other half has been since sent back to the coast, as a guide to collect more of the same sort, though it is a matter of doubt whether, under the circumstances that have been related, the same tree can be ascertained again.” P. 9.
A DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS TREES, BUSHES, HERBS, AND PLANTS of a Medicinal character to be found about the town of Tete; with an account of the application which the natives of the country make of them, for the mechanical uses of life, and in the treatment of the diseases to which they are subject:—
The town of Tete is situated sixty leagues N.W. of the town of Seña, which is also sixty leagues from the town of Killimane, built on the northern mouth of the river Zambesi, which discharges itself into the Indian Ocean on the east coast of Africa.[9]
TREES.
_Muxetéco_, or root of St. Augustine, as it is called at Mozambique.—The flower of this tree, which blooms in the months of November and December, is small, of a yellow colour, and sweet scented. It produces pods of the colour of cinnamon, more than two and a half spans in length; the beans inside are of the size of the tamarind stone. These pods, after being dried, are used for torches by the natives when entering caves in search of the porcupine. An infusion of the bark of the tree is applied in cases of indigestion, toothaches, colics, vomits, and also as a healing wash for wounds. It is used to promote menstruation.
_Mucorongo._—This tree is called jambalaõ in Inhambane. The flower is white, round, and like that of the mangoe-tree, or elder-tree. From the fruit both wine and vinegar are made. Its fruit, which is eaten, is like that of the olive of Elvas, in Portugal; and, when ripe, it is the colour of red wine. The juice of the fruit is also of the same colour. A decoction of the root used in a hip bath is a remedy for hemorrhoids, and checks purgations (anti-cathartic?) Cut up into small pieces and strung on a thread, like beads, it is worn round the neck, as a remedy for ophthalmia.
_Mutarára._—This tree is found principally in the sand-hills of Muxem. The flower is very small, and of the same colour as the leaves. The fruit is of the size of the Agriote (sour cherry), and of a yellow colour, when ripe and fit to be eaten; the skin is very coarse, the seed round, and the colour of red-wine. A decoction of the root is used for rinsing the mouth, as a cure for toothache. The stems being straight and elastic, the negroes use them in making those bows which they call Uta.
_Mupanda-panda._—A decoction of the root of this tree, made into pulp, is applied in the shape of a poultice, as a remedy for chest diseases.
_Chirussa._—The flower is yellow, and similar to that of _casula cheirosa_. The fruit is like the apple-seed. By rubbing the body with the dried leaves heated, a copious perspiration is produced, which arrests fever. A decoction of the bark pounded is used in a hip-bath, as a remedy for tenesmus.
_Mutacha._—The flower is small, and of the colour of the dried rose. The fruit is very sweet, and of the size of the small olive; when ripe it assumes a yellow colour, and it is then fit to be eaten. When dry the bark is reduced to flour, and mixed with the flour of Indian corn; it is then used as a poultice. A decoction of the bark is used for rinsing the mouth, as a cure for toothache. A decoction of the bark, when drank, is a remedy for hemorrhage of the smaller veins. A decoction of the bark and the root is used as a cure for hernia.
_Tussi_, called by the natives of India “Curo.”—The fruit of this tree is in the form of very long pods, within which there is a species of cotton or down. The natives of the country and Banyans attribute to it the same effects and virtues as cinchona, and therefore give a decoction of the bark to those who have fever, which is also used as a healing wash for wounds.
_Mupumpua._—The root of this tree is applied as a cure for bubos and gonorrhœa, by drinking the water in which it has been steeped.
_Goóo._—The flower is small and yellow. The fruit is the size of a small grain, and in clusters. The negroes use this fruit in proving cases of feiticeros (witchcraft), for which purpose they pound the peel, mix it with cold water, then strain it; and after it has assumed a darkish shade they add a portion of boiling water, making it just drinkable. Two, three, and even five gamellas (bowls) full are given to drink to the person under trial. Should it act as a purgative the accused is pronounced guilty, and punished as a feitecera. On the other hand, if it acts as an emetic, the accused is acquitted. This judicial proof is called by the negroes Muavi or Lucasse.
_Mutóa._—This tree is the height of an orange-tree. The leaves are long. The bark resembles that of the cork-tree in colour and thickness. A species of milk is extracted from the trunk and branches by making an incision. The wood is very oily, and the Cazembé and the Regulos Maraves use it cut up into lengths like candles, which they use as lights.
_Nhamucu-ucúu._—The bark of this tree, reduced to powder and used in the way of snuff, is an efficacious remedy for giddiness; and the same effect is caused by a decoction of the leaves, when applied to the head as a sudorific.
_Musequesse._—The leaf of this tree resembles that of the vine. The full-grown leaves are applied to heal wounds; and an infusion of the young leaves is used in chest complaints. The bark is thick, and very much cracked; it resembles that of the Goóo, and an infusion of it is drunk as an antidote for the Goóo prepared for the Muravi or Lucasse.
_Mudáma._—The flower is of a white colour; leaves rough, large, and stiff. The juice of the leaves mixed with cold water, when drunk, is an efficacious remedy for the diarrhœa, with which Europeans are attacked in that country.
_Mupubuzo._—The branches and the trunk of this tree are covered with large and thick prickles. The negroes use the root to give the vermilion colour to threads, cords and straw, with which they braid their hair.
_Muziquezi._—It is called in Inhambane Mafurreira, and the fruit of it is called Mafurra. This tree is very lofty, shady, and fragile. The flower is small, white, and similar to that of the elder-tree. The leaves are long and narrow. The fruit is in clusters, and of the size of a small fig; it has a strong rind, covered with down; when ripe it splits of itself, and lets out a seed of a black colour, with vermilion eyes, from which oil and tallow are extracted. The bark, when bruised in either hot or cold water, assumes the colour of milk, with which the natives season their food and make poultices. The tallow is used for curing erysipelas, by anointing with it the inflamed part.
_Mucuiu._—Is that which in sacred history is called the sycamore tree. The tree itself, and its mode of fructification, resemble the fig-tree, with this difference—that the fruit is smaller, and indigestible. The water in which its root has been steeped, when drunk, cures colics and palpitation of the heart. The powder of the root, dried in the sun, mixed with any liquid, produces the same effects.
_Canunca-utare._—Its roots are orange colour, and have the property of driving away snakes by the pungency of the smell, for which purpose they are used.
_Mucuniti._—The flower is like that of the lemon-tree, with the difference of being long. The fruit is round and small. The wood is of a purple colour, and is most excellent for cabinet work. It is very sweet-scented, and the roots more so.
_Fundi._—This is a species of palm-tree. The leaves are long and narrow like grass, with lines running the length of them. The leaves are used for making brooms and brushes. In Zumbo the Caffres use the leaves to stop the leaks in their vessels.
_Mussonzóa._—The fruit of this tree is like the gall-nut, with this difference, that it has no prickles upon it. It produces the same effects. The Caffre women use it for dyeing cloth a black colour, in the following manner:—The fruit is well pounded, and gradually mixed up with a kind of black earth, known to them, which has in it particles of copper. It makes a very black fixed dye. Poultices made of the roots are applied in cases of hernia, which it cures very quickly.
_Mussio._—The nature of this tree is very much like that of the acacia in leaf, spines, and flower, with the difference of not being scented. It produces a species of bean called quissio, which the natives use in the same way as the fruit of the Mussonzóa. As these beans are very astringent, wounds are washed with the water in which they have been steeped.
_Mutengueni_, called by the natives of India “_Nino_.”—This bush, which flourishes in the months of November and December, has a small white long flower, which, when it opens, presents the fruit called Tengueni, which is the size of an almond. When ripe and fit to be open, it is of a vermilion colour; it is very acid, and the oil which is extracted from it is used for softening skins, and also for reducing tumors. The leaves reduced to powder, and mixed with the juice of the lemon, are a cure for troublesome ulcers; and the juice of the leaves when taken as a drink destroys intestinal worms.
_Cangóme._—The flower and fruit of this bush are like that of the Mocha coffee. The fruit serves as food for the negroes in time of famine, by boiling it, when green, three or four times, and mixing with it, in the last boiling, some ashes to remove the bitter taste. The powder of the root, when dried, or of the bark when fresh, is used to cure contusions, by laying it over the part affected. An infusion of the bark is used for the cure of sores of long standing, for which a powder of the root is also used.
_Canémbe-Numbe._—The flower is yellow, and resembles much that of the Muxetero. It has no aroma. The fruit is in pods of half a palm in length, which are eaten when tender. An infusion of the root is a strong diuretic.
_Catungúro._—The flower is a bright yellow, and resembles tassels of fringe. The fruit, when ripe, is the colour and size of the lemon. The root is of the consistency of the common potatoe; when cut into pieces, dried in the sun, and reduced to powder, it is applied to the cure of bubos. Bubos are also cured by washing them with an infusion of the root when it is fresh. The leaves pounded are used in the cure of wounds caused by blows; and the boiled leaves applied to the head, as a sudorific, are a cure for mistiness and cataracts of the eyes. Also, the root when fresh, pounded, and thrown into a lake, destroys all the fish in it.
_Tindinhava Sensitiva._—The flower forms first a small bud like the pine-apple, of the size of a small seed, which gradually opens, and forms a suspiro of a brown colour, having the tops of the stamens of a pale green colour. The fruit is in pods, flat, of two inches in length, or a little less, snuff-coloured, and covered with down. It is found near brooks, and on banks of rivers. On touching the leaves, they contract as far as the tremour of the touch extends. The root is very soft, and when tied over an inflamed part of the body it removes the swelling. Baths of the bark pounded and boiled are used for erysipelas.
_Mutava-Nherere._—The name of Nhere which this bears implies that it is persecuted by ants. The flower is yellow, similar to that of the ganalinho. The fruit is the size of the mad-apple. They grow in clusters. The leaves pounded are applied in cases of pleurisy, when they act as a blister. A decoction of the roots is applied in hip-baths as a remedy for diarrhœa.
_Mutavan-sato._—The flower is similar to that of the apple-tree. The fruit is small, and always surrounded by leaves. The juice of the leaves, mixed with water and taken daily, cures diseases of the spleen. An infusion of the root is used to rinse the mouth, as a cure for toothache.
_Buaze._—The flowers of this bush are small, and of the form of guergelin. These flowers swell like the pepper of India. The leaves are small. The seed is properly linseed, both in size, colour, and form. The negroes make use of the thread which it gives to form their fishing, hunting, and bird-nets. In short, it has a perfect resemblance to the flax which is manufactured in Europe.
_Mudia-coro._—Mudia signifies “that which eats;” coro, “macaca,” monkey. The leaves are white on the under side, as if they had been sprinkled with lime or ashes. The root is used by the negroes, either by chewing it, infusing it, or by drying it in the sun, and reducing it to powder, when it is mixed with their pombe. It has the same effect as cantharides, and is taken internally for the same purpose.
_Titifiti._—This bush is to be found in marshy places, upon the banks of rivers and rivulets. The leaf resembles that of the carmagasuro, and it is very aromatic. Of it, and of other herbs and plants, a decoction is made and applied in hip-baths to those who suffer from tenesmus. A decoction of the leaf is used as a sudorific, and produces a very copious perspiration. The root cut in small pieces, and worn about the neck like beads, is a remedy for nervous attacks. And for greater efficacy in this respect the bedroom ought to be fumigated with the root and leaves of this bush.
_Capande._—The flower is small, and inclining to purple in colour. The seed is of the size of the agriote, and similar to the fruit of the matarara. The Caffres use this bush as a muavi (an oath of judicial proof among them), prepared in the same manner as the goóo, which also is muavi among them, as already stated. An infusion of the root is applied to the fever itáca—causing a copious perspiration—having a very beneficial effect. The powder of the root, dried in the sun, is used as snuff, giving great relief in severe colds.
_Enteca._—This is the same as capande in its characteristics and its effects.
_Carangasúro._—This herb has a yellow flower similar to camomile. A decoction of it is as a sudorific in a hip-bath to those who suffer from tenesmus. Mixing it with the herb cacici, or escorcioneira, and with the roots of the bush capande, and applying the mixture as a sudorific, fever is alleviated.
_Cacici camuzuqua_, or _escorcioneira_.—There are two qualities of this herb—one large, the other small. The flower is yellow, and very minute in proportion to the size of the leaves. It resembles the saffron of Portugal. The fruit is of the size of a small bead. A decoction of the leaves is applied as a sudorific to the head in cases of headache. The bark of the root, boiled along with the root of wild endive, and drunk, arrests fevers in their progress towards the malignant stage. A simple decoction of the root is applied to tertian fevers; and, when mixed with that of the root of the mucoronga, is applied in cases of complicated gonorrhœa.
_Cacici camuzuqua pequena_, or _escorcioneira menor_.—By anointing the body with a decoction of the root of this herb, mixed with the filings of ivory, orange peel, and leaves of the orange-tree, pounded, fever is destroyed.
_Avenca._—A plant well-known among the negroes, but it does not seem to be made any use of by them.
_Munhaze._—The leaves are oily and sticky. The negroes use the root in the composition of the oil of Friar Pedro, which has the property of drawing the poison out of a wound made by a poisoned arrow.
_Uombue._—This herb has broad leaves like a gourd, but at the same time long and very hairy. It produces a potatoe very large, which, when pounded and thrown in water where fish are, destroys them. A poultice of the root pounded, applied to pleurisies, destroys the pain.
_Casuzumire._—It is a very small herb like mint. A decoction of it used in baths is a remedy for hemorrhoids and diarrhœa.
_Cacumate._—This herb has the appearance of the claws of the sparrow-hawk when dead. A decoction is applied to intermittent fevers, and fevers produced by fatigue. The negroes place it in vessels in which their young animals drink, through a superstition which they have, that the leaves being shrunk and similar to the claws of the sparrow-hawk, their young birds or poultry which drink this water will never be taken by the kite, sparrow-hawk, or any other bird of prey.
_Mudossua; figueiro do inferno_ (the fig-tree of Hell, Palma Christi.)—The flower of this plant is large, white, and funnel-shaped. The fruit like the poppy of Amphiaõ, with the difference of having spines or prickles like the pipons of St. Gregory (wild cucumber). It is always in leaf, and the leaves are applied entire as plasters in the cure of scalds. They have the property of eating away corrupt flesh. From the kernel of the poppy an oil is extracted, which, mixed with any liquid, produces sleep. In short, it produces the same effect as laudanum.
_Bange, é o canamo de Portugal_ (the hemp of Portugal).—The negroes, at the time this plant begins to wither, collect it, stalk by stalk, and make it into bundles. They smoke it through water, and then drink the water through which the smoke has passed, which immediately acts as an emetic. The natives of the interior cultivate it in their villages; and there are some, as the Morenges, who smoke it with a mixture of tobacco, long pepper, and galinhaça, which makes them very nervous. The smoke of the leaves and seed received into the eyes cures _belida_, or web, that grows over the eye.[10]
_Conge._—This plant is what in Brazil is called Pita. The negroes of Muzezuro, a part of the interior where gold is found, work it into thread to make clothes for covering themselves, and the Zimbas, a people of Zimbave, as also the Caffres, make nets of it for hunting and fishing.
_Inhafoncori._—This plant grows in stems, or stalks, straight and scaly. The leaves are very small, and resemble those of purslane; although dry, when made into an infusion they recover their green colour. An infusion of it is employed for pectoral diseases.
_Carúco-ruco._ The flower is small, and of a light yellow colour. The fruit is always in pairs, and similar to the fruit of the panheira. After it is ripe it opens and gives out a yellow down, which is a species of cotton. The two parts of the shell of the fruit remain like two spoons, hence the name “carúco-ruco,” which signifies “small spoons.” The root when dried in the sun is made into a powder, and is used as a remedy for venereal sores, by sprinkling it over them. A decoction of the root is used for rinsing the mouth as a cure for toothache.
_Combe._—This climbing plant has a long fruit, more than a span in length; it has a strong shell like an almond. The fruit grows in pairs, and the interior of the fruit contains small beans; and in the spaces between the beans there is a kind of small hair, which, combined with the said beans and reduced to powder, is mixed with the gall of the alligator and that of the cobra capella; this mixture is employed to poison arrows and lances. This poison is so powerful that when any animal is wounded with an arrow or lance prepared with this poison, it dies in less than half an hour, through the subtilty of the poison, which immediately passes through every part of the body, leaving the injured part quite black.
_Mupessa._—A wild fig-tree, the fruit of which is somewhat acid, and of a purple colour. A decoction of the root is applied to the cure of pleurisy, by drinking it; also by placing on the part affected the root boiled and softened in vinegar. The same decoction is also employed to reduce apostumes; swellings caused by falls; to expel after-births; to remove the pains of colics; and also for gonorrhœa.
_Mutubzi._—The flower is round, and of a yellow colour. The fruit is flat, and one bean only. A decoction of the flower is applied in cases of tenesmus, flux, &c. It is also used as a sort of gruel for sick people. This plant has an insufferable smell.
_Abutua._—The root of this creeping plant, made into pombe, is given as a drink to those who have received injuries from severe falls. The same pombe heated is applied as a plaster over the inflamed part.
B.
TIMBER TO BE FOUND IN EASTERN AFRICA, MADAGASCAR, AND THE SEYCHELLES.
List of specimens of Woods from the River Zambesi, to be seen at the rooms of the Royal Geographical Society, 15, Whitehall-place:—
1. _Inhampásse._—Planks six feet long, eight inches broad, and three inches thick, may be procured.
2. _Pingué—ou Páo preto_ (beautiful wood)—Six feet in length, and six inches square.
3. _Mocua._—About fourteen feet in length, eight to ten inches square; and, from its being forked, is peculiarly adapted for knees and futtocks in ship-building.
4. _Imbila._—From fifteen to eighteen feet long, twelve inches square; a very flexible wood for ship-building purposes.
5. _Muramanhâma._—About eighteen feet in length, twelve inches square, and bright red in colour.
6. _Mocunca._—Fifteen to eighteen feet in length, eight to ten inches square; grows crooked, and well adapted for the tiers of wheels.
7. _Mocôzo._—From thirty-five to forty-five feet in length, three to four feet square; this wood is of a canary colour, which dyes cotton, silk, and wool that colour, without any other preparation than by simply pouring boiling water on it.
8. _Mucunite_—Or sandal wood; planks six to eight feet in length, and eight inches broad, but the greater part of it is not straight.
9. _Pumburo._—This is a sort of shrub, which does not exceed the thickness of one’s arm, including the white part which surrounds the heart, from which a colouring matter, gold colour, is extracted; and from the white part a canary colour, by simply infusing in water, is given to silk, cotton, and wool.
10. _Peám._—Eighteen feet long, sixteen inches square.
11. _Mussangara._—Twelve feet long, not very straight, ten inches square.
12. _Taxa._—Twenty feet in length, twenty inches square.
13. _Mocundo-cundo._—Thirty-six feet in length, three to four feet square; well adapted for vessels’ masts; the bark of this tree supplies quinine, and from the wood also quinine may be extracted.
14. _Mucorongo._—Eighteen feet long, twelve inches square.
15. _Raiz de Pingué on Páo-preto._—This is the root of the Páo-preto or Pingué (beautiful wood) (No. 2), which is adapted for cabinet-work.
16. _Monangare._—Fifteen feet long, fifteen inches square, not very straight, but adapted for block-making and wheelwrights.
17. _Mocossocossa._—Eighteen feet long, twenty inches square; adapted for joiner’s work, and takes a high polish.
18. _Páo-ferro._—Iron-wood, twenty-four feet long, eight inches square; well adapted for furniture, takes a high polish, and is suitable for tree-nails in ship-building, and wherever it can be substituted for iron.
19. _Páo-ferro Mais escuro._—Iron-wood, of a darker quality; dimensions as No. 18.
20. _Panguira._—Thirty feet in length, straight, twenty inches square; well adapted for ship-building and beams of houses.
21.—_Páo-fava._—Twenty-two feet in length, straight, twelve inches square at least.
22. _Meterral._—Twenty-four feet in length, straight, twelve inches square.
23. _Mugunda._—Forty to sixty feet long, straight, from three to six feet square; well adapted for ship-building.
24. _Morrondo._—Fifteen feet long, two feet square; adapted for ship-building.
25. _Moáno._—Fifteen feet long, twelve inches square; generally straight.
26. _Luabo._—Twelve feet long, and ten inches square.
In addition to the above specimens of wood brought home by me, Dr. Livingstone has found teak, or African oak, as well as lignum-vitæ, on his way up to Tete.
LIST OF WOODS TO BE FOUND ON THE ISLAND OF MADAGASCAR.
Red Tacamaca, ninety feet long; Colofan, of great length. Red Tacamaca and Colofan are impervious to the Teredo Navalis, and they may both be easily obtained, and in any quantity, on the north-east end of Madagascar.
The Bois de natte.
The Faux gaiac.
Sandal-wood and ebony—also a very valuable wood; iron and steel instruments inserted in which will not corrode.
On the west side of Madagascar, from Bombatok to the north, opposite Nossi-Bé, rosewood and ebony abound.
NOTES ON THE WOODS OF THE SEYCHELLES.
Specimens of which are to be seen at the rooms of the Royal Geographical Society, 15, Whitehall-place.
Tacamaca red; tacamaca white.
The bois de natte, both descriptions—the large and the small leaf.
Olive-wood.
The faux gaiac, which is as strong and durable as iron.
Sandal-wood; bonnet carré; l’arbre à pommes de suisse; ebony; rosewood; the filao; le badinier; le ledanier; le var; le rima; the white acajou; l’ontelier; le capucin; l’arequier; l’arbre fougère; and the vacoa.
Many of these trees are of great grandeur, and of immense size.
With tacamaca canoes are made in one piece, twenty-four, thirty, and thirty-six feet in length, and five to six feet beam.
Many vessels have been built at these islands; see the report on the “Thomas Blyth.”
“Admiralty, 19th February, 1859.
“SIR,—In pursuance of the directions of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, I transmit herewith a copy of a report, dated the 11th instant, from the timber-inspector at Woolwich Dock-yard, on the specimens of woods from the Zambesi, the Seychelles, and Madagascar, presented by you to the Royal Geographical Society; and, with reference to the specimens numbered in the enclosed Report, 12, 17, 21, and 22, from the Zambesi, and 17, 18, and 19 from Seychelles, I have to request you will state, after being so obliging as to confer with me on the subject, what steps you would recommend should be taken for obtaining a supply of these descriptions of timber, and for conveying the same to England.—I am, Sir, your humble servant,
“R. DUNDAS, “Storekeeper-General of the Navy.
“TO LYONS M’LEOD, ESQ., Late H.M. Consul at Mozambique.”
* * * * *
“Woolwich Dock-yard, Feb. 11, 1859.
“SIR,—I have the honour to report, that, in obedience to your order of the 2nd instant, I visited the rooms of the Royal Geographical Society, and inspected the under-mentioned specimens of woods brought from Mozambique by Mr. M’Leod, late H.M. Consul there:—
“1. Inhampásse; 2. Pingué ou Páo-preto; 3. Mocua; 4. Imbila; 5. Muramanhâma; 6. Mocunca; 7. Mocôzo; 8. Mucunite, or sandal-wood; 9. Pumburo; 10. Peám; 11. Mussangara; 12. Taxa; 13. Mocundo-cundo; 14. Mucorongo; 15. Raiz de Pingué on Páo-preto; 16. Monangare; 17. Mocosso-cosso; 18. Páo-ferro, iron-wood; 19. Páo-ferro mais escuro; 20. Panguira; 21. Páo fava; 22. Metteral; 23. Mugunda; 24. Morrondo; 25. Moána; 26. Luabo.
“After a careful examination of the above specimens, I find they may be classed as follows:—
“1st. All those which are of small dimensions, and do not attain in their growth the size of timber-trees, but, being of good quality, may be useful for local purposes—such are Nos. 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 15, 16, 18, 19, 25, and 26.
“2nd. Those which are of small dimensions, and do not attain to the character of timber-trees, and, being of inferior quality, are not likely to be of any value in manufacture—such are Nos. 4, 5, 10, 11, and 14.
“3rd. All those trees of finer growth and nobler dimensions, the quality of which is inferior, and apparently not of a durable character—of this class are Nos. 7, 13, 20, 23, and 24.
“4th. The woods of good quality which just attain in their growth the minimum of length which would fit them for naval purposes—these are Nos. 12, 17, 21, and 22.
“Assuming that the character of the woods enumerated in classes 1 and 2 are sufficiently explained, it will only be necessary to remark further, that in determining their classes I have been guided by the dimensions given me by Mr. M’Leod, and that I have taken these for my data throughout.
“Class 3 requires a fuller notice, as the trees are reported to be of large growth.
“No. 7, Mocôzo, produces timber thirty-five to forty-five feet in length, and from three to four feet square; its specific gravity is about forty-seven pounds; it is of yellowish colour, and is said to possess dyeing properties; the wood is porous, and inferior in quality.
“No. 13, Mocundo-cundo, produces timber thirty-six feet in length, and from three to four feet square; its specific gravity is about forty-one pounds. The wood is yellow in colour, porous, and inferior in quality. From the bark of this tree quinine is extracted.
“No. 20, Panguira, produces timber thirty feet in length, and will square about twenty inches; its specific gravity is fifty-three pounds; the wood is of a dark brown colour, porous, and inferior in quality. It is, however, stated to be used at Mozambique for both house and ship-building purposes.
“No. 23, Mugunda, produces timber forty to sixty feet in length, and squaring from three to six feet; its specific gravity is thirty-eight pounds; it is of straight growth, yellowish in colour, light, porous, and inferior in quality.
“No. 24, Morrondo, produces timber fifteen feet in length, and two feet square; its specific gravity is about forty-seven pounds; the wood is yellowish in colour, porous, and apparently inferior in quality; it is stated to be used for ship-building purposes at Mozambique.
“There is, probably, some mistake, either as to length, or in the size, given for this tree, and in some others, as they do not appear proportionate.
“Class 4 appear to be trees of a more useful description.
“No. 12, Taxa, produces timber twenty feet in length, and twenty inches square; its specific gravity is about sixty-seven pounds; the wood is close in the grain, heavy, of a reddish colour, and apparently of good and durable character. I have no information as to whether it has been used at the Mozambique for any purpose; but it might be taken as a substitute for African oak, or sabian, in ship-building, if greater lengths can be found, as would seem probable, if it square up to twenty inches.
“No. 17, Mocosso-cosso, produces timber eighteen feet in length, and twenty inches square; its specific gravity is fifty-nine pounds; it is a little lighter in colour than mahogany, and somewhat resembles that wood in its grain; it might be used as a substitute for it in ship-building and cabinet-work; its quality is apparently good, and, if greater lengths are procurable, would be valuable.
“No. 21, Páo-fava, produces timber twenty-two feet in length, and twelve inches square; its specific gravity is forty-eight pounds; it is of straight growth, has a fine clear grain, and is apparently of good quality, it may be used as a substitute for mahogany.
“No. 22, Metteral, produces timber twenty-four feet in length, and twelve inches square; its specific gravity is fifty-six pounds; it is darker in colour than the Páo-fava, heavier, and better in quality; it may be used as a substitute for mahogany in ship-building and cabinet-work.
“It is somewhat remarkable that among the trees of the largest growth they should nearly all be found of inferior quality, and apparently liable to early decay—yet such is their character, when considered in reference to the specimens examined.
“The trees of more moderate dimensions assume a better character, and if greater lengths, in proportion to the given diameter, can be obtained in the Taxa and the Mocosso-cosso, they would be found useful for beams, keelsons, &c. The Páo-fava and the Metteral are both very good woods, but an increased length and size is wanting to give them value for beams, planks, &c. Further information is needed from Mozambique on these four last-named woods, us to whether greater lengths are procurable, and as to the quantities to be found in the forests; if these are easy obtainable in large quantities, and they can be brought readily to a port for shipment, they would be deserving of a trial in our dock-yards.
“Mr. M’Leod states that Dr. Livingstone has found African oak and lignum-vitæ up the Zambesi.
“The under-mentioned woods from the Seychelles and the Mauritius were examined:—
“1. Tacamaca red; 2. Tacamaca white; 3. Bois de natte; 4. Bois de natte; 5. Tacamaca rouge; 6. Tacamaca blanc; 7. Bois montagur; 8. Bois danner blanc; 9. Bois blanc; 10. Bois marri petite feuille; 11. Bois rouge; 12. Bois de pomme; 13. Bois de ronde; 14. Bois d’olive; 15. Faux gayac d’ile de Solomon; 16. Tambalicoque; 17. Capuchin; 18. Calofan; 19. Bois puant.
“The foregoing may be classed as follows, viz.:—
“1st. All those of small dimensions, that scarcely attain to the character of timber-trees, and including the larger woods of inferior quality—of these are Nos. 1 to 16 inclusive.
“2nd. The trees of large growth—these are Nos. 17 to 19 inclusive.
“No. 17. Capuchin, a red, hard wood, heavy, and apparently of good quality; it is stated to grow to an enormous size at the Seychelles, and to be durable. The specimen examined was too small to enable me to form a correct opinion of its qualities as a ship-building wood.
“18. Colofan, stated to grow to the height of forty to fifty feet before branching, and from two to three feet in diameter, at the Seychelles.
“No. 19, Bois puant, stated to grow to a very large size at the Mauritius, and to be durable. The specimens of both 18 and 19 were very small, and it would be unsafe to give an opinion based on this inspection, as to the value of these woods for ship-building purposes; it may, however, be mentioned, that Mr. M’Leod informed me that nearly all the woods found at the Seychelles are used in building such vessels as are required at that place.
(Signed) THOS. LASLETT, “Timber-Inspector.
“To the Hon. R. DUNDAS, Storekeeper-General of the Navy.”
* * * * *
“15, Whitehall-place, May 3, 1859.
SIR,—With reference to your letter of the 19th February last, politely inquiring what steps should be taken for obtaining a supply of the descriptions of woods approved of from the Seychelles and the river Zambesi, I have the honour to state that the ‘Thomas Blyth,’ a vessel of 500 tons, built at the Seychelles in 1837, of timber grown on those islands, is now lying in the West India Dock. Her owners, Messrs. Blyth, Brothers and Co., Philpot-lane, City, have kindly consented to allow her to be submitted to any inspection that you may deem necessary for the purpose of satisfying the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty as to the fitness of the timber from the Seychelles for ship-building.
“Hoping to be favoured with a copy of the report of survey on the ‘Thomas Blyth,’—I have, &c.
“J. LYONS M’LEOD.”
“To the Hon. R. DUNDAS, Storekeeper-General of the Navy.”
* * * * *
“11th June, 1859.
“SIR,—Referring to your letter of the 3rd ultimo, I have to request, in pursuance of the directions of the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty, that you will be so obliging as to state what you would consider the most practicable method for obtaining a supply of a few logs of the descriptions of woods approved of, from the Seychelles.
“I have also, in compliance with your request contained in your letter above referred to, to transmit on the other side hereof a copy of a report, dated the 23rd ultimo, from Mr. Luke, of the department of the Surveyor of the Navy, on the ship ‘Thomas Blyth.’—I am, Sir, your humble servant,
“R. DUNDAS, “Storekeeper-General of the Navy.”
“To J. L. M’LEOD, Esq.”
* * * * *
“Admiralty, 23rd May, 1859.
“Having inspected the ship ‘Thomas Blyth,’ lying afloat in the West India Docks, I beg to state that the timber and planking of which she was built at the Seychelles in 1837 appear to be, at the present time, in sound and good condition.
“This wood is of a chocolate colour, close, hard, and somewhat stringy in its texture, and free from shakes.
“The degree of natural curvature in the growth of the frame timbers could not be ascertained, the vessel being ceiled.
“The scantlings of this vessel are small, the timber squaring from nine to twelve inches, and the lengths of her beams and shifts of planking about twenty-six feet.
“Judging from the appearance of this wood, where it could be inspected, and its durability, I consider it to be fit for ship-building purposes, if it can be procured of sufficiently large size for ships of war, of the same quality as the smaller timber used in the construction of the vessel above referred to.
“Two pieces of the wood taken from the inside planking of the ‘Thomas Blyth’ are herewith forwarded as samples.
(Signed) “J. LUKE.”
C.
ON THE POSITION OF OPHIR.
1. _That Ophir was in India._
On behalf of the conjecture that places Ophir in India, the following arguments are alleged:—
That it is most natural to understand, from the Sacred narrative, that all the articles enumerated as forming the cargoes of the ships belonging to Solomon which visited Ophir were procurable in the country where Ophir was situated; and that all those articles were alone to be found in India.
The Septuagint translators appear to have held this opinion from rendering אוֺפִיר (Ophir) Σωφιρ, Σουφιρ, Σωφιρά, which is the Egyptian name for India.
Josephus also states: “Moreover, the king built many ships in the Egyptian bay of the Red Sea, in a certain place called Ezion-geber; it is now called Berenice, and is not far from the city Eloth. This country belonged formerly to the Jews, and became useful for shipping from the donations of Hiram, king of Tyre; for he sent a sufficient number of men thither for pilots, and such as were skilful in navigation, to whom Solomon gave this command:—That they should go along with his own stewards to the land that was of old called Ophir, but now the Chersonesus Aurea, which belongs to India, to fetch gold. And when they had gathered four hundred talents together they returned to the king again.”—_Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews_, book viii. c. 6, 4.
And again:—“About the same time there were brought to the king from the Chersonesus Aurea, a country so called, precious stones and pine-trees, and these trees he made use of for supporting the temple and the palace, as also for the materials of musical instruments, the harps and the psalteries, that the Levites might make use of them in hymns to God. The wood which was brought to him at this time was larger and finer than any that had ever been brought before; but let no one imagine these pine-trees were like those which are now so named,” &c.—(_Ibid_, viii. c. 7. 1.) The vulgate renders the words “the gold of Ophir” (Job xxviii. 16), by “tinctis Indiæ coloribus.” _See_ Wahner, _De Regione Ophir_; Tychsen, “De Commerc. Hebr.” in Commentt. Gott. xvi. 164, &c.; Huetti Commentatio de Navigatione Solomonis; Reland, Dissertt. Miscell., i. 172; or in Ugolini Thesaurus, vii.; Vitringa, and others.
Professor Heeren, in his excellent work on the Commerce of the Phœnicians, states that he is of opinion that the fleet of Solomon did visit India; but, on his own showing, this was unnecessary, for if the Phœnician colonies trading to India did, at the time of the Hebro-Phœnician voyage, exist in the Persian Gulf, it would be unnecessary for Solomon’s fleet to proceed further than to those colonies in the Persian Gulf to obtain all the produce of India which they were constantly importing. This opinion, held by Seetzen, has evidently induced him to place Ophir in the Persian Gulf.
Although the large majority of writers on this subject seek for Ophir in India, they are by no means united as to the exact locality; some believing it to be the town of Σομπάρα, at or near Goâ, mentioned by Ptolemy, Ammianus, and Abulfeda, while the majority place it on the island of Trophane, generally recognized as that of Ceylon.
2.—_That Ophir was in the Persian Gulf._
Some have sought Ophir in the islands of this Gulf; while others have proceeded up the Euphrates in search of it. Among the latter may be mentioned Calmet, in his “Dissertation sur le Pays d’Ophir,” who places the Ophir of Solomon in Armenia. To carry out this theory, he makes the fleet of Solomon to pass through the Persian Gulf up the Tigris and Euphrates, as far as these rivers were navigable, and to where they receive the produce of Armenian Ophir. It will be subsequently shown that, by the building of Tadmor in the wilderness, Solomon commanded the Phœnician trade, by this route, from India to Tyre, and that it would therefore have been useless for Hiram and Solomon to dispatch a fleet up the Persian Gulf. The Rev. Charles Foster, B.D., in “The Historical Geography of Arabia,” London, 1844, places the Ophir of Solomon in the east of Arabia, recognizing that locality in the town of Ofor, situated at about 60 or 70 miles from the sea-coast—having a river running a few miles from that town, and discharging itself into the Persian Gulf. After arguing the subject very fully, he sums up his opinion as to the above being the locality in the following words—“From these collective premises may unpresumptuously be drawn the conclusions—1. That the Ofor of Sale and d’Anville, a town and district in the mountains of Omân, west of the coast of Maham, is the Ophir of the Old Testament. 2. That the _littus Hammœum ubi auri Metalla_, or GOLD COAST, mentioned by Pliny, was the true term of the famous voyage in the reign of Solomon, from Ezion-geber, or Akaba, at the head of the Gulf of Elah. 3. And, lastly, that this Ophir or Ofor, the country of the Kottabani of Ptolemy, one of the many tribes known generally in Arabia by the denomination of Beni Kahtan or Kahtanys, was the primitive and proper seat of the family of Ophir, the son of Joktan, which, like so many other districts denominated from the brethren of this patriarch, still preserves, at the present day, the name and memory of their fathers.” The Rev. Mr. Foster adds in a note, “The name of this Joktanite patriarch, and of the famous gold country of Arabia, which, in the time of Ptolemy and Pliny, bore, and which still retains, his name, is a curious specimen of the flexibility of proper names in the Arabic, and its kindred dialects. For _Ophor_ can be traced through, at least, eight varieties of form—thus, in the prophecies of Jeremiah and Daniel (Jer. x. 9, Dan. x. 5), it is written _Uphaz_; in the Song of Solomon (v. 11) [?] _Paz_, (LXX. vers.) _Kephaz_; in Chronicles (2 Chron. iii. 6) _Paravim_; by Eupolemus, _Orphe_; by Ptolemy, _Appa_; by Niebuhr, _Efi_; and by Sale d’Anville, and all subsequent authorities, _Ofor_. M. Niebuhr notices variations nearly as numerous in the pronunciation of the word _Simoom_.” “Vent empoisonné, qu’on nomme Sâm, Smum, Samiel, ou Samêle, suivant les différens prononciations des Arabes.”—_Descript. de l’Arabie_, tome iii. p. 7; _Historical Geography of Arabia_, vol. i. p. 171. To the opinion expressed by the Rev. Mr. Foster the objection already made to that of Calmet equally applies, viz., that Hiram and Solomon already commanded all the trade of the Persian Gulf which reached Tyre and Jerusalem by way of Tadmor.
3.—_That Ophir was situated in South Arabia._
M. Niebuhr may be quoted as the great authority for Ophir being situated in South Arabia, although he failed in pointing out its exact position, as may be learned from the following:—“Je n’ai point trouvé de nom ressemblant à celui d’Ophir; mais je ne doute pas que si quelq’un avoit occasion de parcourir le pays depuis Aden jusqu’à Dafar, comme je l’ai parcouru de l’Mâm, il ne la trouve quelque part. Ophir étoit vraisemblablement le principal port du royaume des Sabéens, et il étoit san doute situé entre Aden et Dafar, peut-être même étoit-ce le port que les Grecs appellent Cana.”—_Niebuhr_, tome iii. p. 253.
4. _That Ophir was situated at Sofala._
Two thousand years before the Christian era, we learn that Semiramis, the great Queen of Assyria, not contented with the extensive dominions left to her by her husband, Ninus, enlarged them by the conquest of a great part of Ethiopia. (_Rollin_, book iii. chap. i. sec. 5. See also _Memoirs of the Academy of Belles Lettres_, vol. iii. p. 343, _et seq._ for two learned dissertations upon the Assyrian Empire, and particularly on the reign and actions of Semiramis.)
Sesostris, one of the most powerful kings of Egypt, ascended the throne on the death of his father, B.C. 1491. He formed no less a project than the conquest of the known world. He began his expedition by the conquest of Ethiopia, and obliged the nations of that country to furnish him, annually, with a certain quantity of ebony, ivory, and gold. Having fitted out a fleet of four hundred sail, he advanced to the Red Sea, and made himself master of the isles and coasts of that sea, proceeding afterwards to India. In the countries which he conquered, he left pillars on which the following inscription was engraved:—“Sesostris, king of kings, and lord of lords, subdued this country by the power of his arms.” His empire extended from the Ganges to the Danube. Diodorus Siculus tells us that he cut canals from Memphis to the Red Sea, opening Egypt to the commerce of Libya, Ethiopia, and Arabia. (_Herod._ l. ii. chap. 102, 110. _Diod._ l. 1, sec. 48, 54.)
In the sublime poem of Job—now generally attributed to Moses, and supposed to have been written previous to the Egyptian Exodus, during some part of Moses’ residence with his hospitable father-in-law, Jethro, in that district of Idumæa which was named Midian—about 1520 B.C.—mention is made of the gold of Ophir, Job xxviii. v. 16, showing that the gold of Ophir was at the date of this poem known to the Arabs of Idumæa, where the poem was written. In Genesis and Exodus frequent mention is made of myrrh, cinnamon, cassia, and aloes, articles which were imported by the Arabs of the south of Arabia from India and Africa, but which were believed by the Hebrews to be the produce of Arabia.
David, in Psalm xlv. v. 8, 9, mentions myrrh, aloes, cassia, ivory palaces, and the gold of Ophir.
The Queen of Sheba, in Luke xi. v. 31, is called the “Queen of the South,” that is to say, of the country the most remote known to the Hebrews; see 1 Kings x. 1 and 2, Chron. ix. 1. In vol. ii., p. 233, I have shown how Arabia was situated for commerce, and, bearing its position in mind, it may now be proper to refer to the account of this expedition of Solomon. “And King Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-geber, which is Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. And Hiram sent in the navy his servants, ship-men, that had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon. And they came to Ophir; and fetched from thence gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to King Solomon.... And when the Queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, concerning the name of the Lord, she came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold and precious stones. And when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart: and Solomon told her all her questions; there was not any thing hid from the king which he told her not. And when the Queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon’s wisdom, and the house that he had built, and the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cup-bearers, and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit in her. And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land, of thy acts, and of thy wisdom. Howbeit, I believed not the words until I came, and mine eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me; thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth thy fame which I heard. Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the Lord thy God which delighteth in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel, because the Lord loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice. And she gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones; there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the Queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.... And the navy, also, of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones. And the king made, of the almug trees, pillars for the house of the Lord, and for the king’s house; harps also, and psalteries for singers; there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day. And King Solomon gave unto the Queen of Sheba all her desire, whatsoever she asked; besides that which Solomon gave of his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants.”
Some have looked upon the Queen of Sheba as the Queen of Sabia, situated in the kingdom of Sofala, on the east coast of Africa; but for our present purpose it will only be necessary to recognize in her the head of that portion of the Arabs commanding the south of Arabia, and the Emporia _there located_, and also on the opposite adjoining north-east coast of Africa—although she may have been Queen of the Arabian kingdom of Sheba, and also the African-Arabic kingdom of Sabia.
The account given of the visit of the Queen of Sheba, both in the 1st book of Kings and also in 2nd book of the Chronicles, is preceded by the statement of the friendly terms on which Solomon was with Hiram, king of Tyre, who, by way of the Gulf of Persia and the Phœnician colonies established there, commanded the commerce of India, which reached Tyre by way of the Persian Gulf, and the Wilderness or the Desert. We are also told, previously to the account of the visit of Solomon’s ships to Ophir, that he built Baalath and Tadmor in the Wilderness (1 Kings ix., 18, and 2 Chron. viii., 4-6), doubtless to secure the caravans of his ally, Hiram, from the depredations of the Bedouin Arabs, while crossing the desert on their way with the merchandize of India, which arrived by the Persian Gulf to Tyre.
This Tadmor or Palmyra was, we know, a fenced city, built in a desert, solely for the protection of commerce, and was lost to the Hebrews on the division of the kingdom after the death of Solomon; it is doubtless the Palmyra so celebrated for its destruction by the Romans, when its Queen, Zenobia, endeavoured to throw off the Roman yoke. It commanded the commerce of India by way of the Gulf of Persia; and therefore we may fairly suppose that the fleets of Solomon and Hiram, which proceeded down the Red Sea, were bent upon opening a new mart of commerce, doubtless that commanded by the Queen of Sheba, who is mixed up with this account, and who, from history, we learn, bore a son to Solomon during her stay in Jerusalem, with whom she returned to her own country.
This was a trade which the Phœnicians had not possession of, and Hiram naturally enlisted the co-operation of his great ally, Solomon, for the purpose of obtaining the productions of Ophir direct, instead of through the Arabs of Southern Arabia. The time chosen was most propitious; it was after the building of Tadmor in the Wilderness, when the affairs of Hiram and Solomon had become united by commerce; and at the period when Solomon had obtained possession of Idumæa or Edom, and his great renown had attracted to his court the Queen of Sheba, who had brought with her those imports into Arabia most valued by her own subjects, as being those sought after by the nations of the west, which gave so great an impulse to the maritime enterprise of the Arabs.
Some difficulty appears to arise from the different reading of the account of the Hebrew-Phœnician ships going to Ophir, as given in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Let us compare them thus:—
1 KINGS, x. 22. 2 CHRON. ix. 21.
“For the king had at sea “For the king’s ships a navy of Tharshish with the went to Tarshish with the navy of Hiram. Once in servants of Hiram: every every three years came the three years once came the navy of Tharshish, bringing ships of Tarshish, bringing gold and silver, ivory, and gold and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.” apes and peacocks.”
1 KINGS, xxii. 48. 2 CHRON. xx. 36-37.
“Jehoshaphat made ships “He (Jehoshaphat) joined of Tarshish to go to Ophir himself with him (the King for gold, but they went not; of Israel) to make ships to go for the ships were broken at to Tarshish; and they made Ezion-geber.” the ships in Ezion-gaber.... And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.”
The passages of Scripture in which “Ophir” and “Tharshish” are named, bring before us the only maritime commerce which the Hebrews appear to have been engaged in, and which arose from Solomon’s alliance with Hiram, king of Tyre.
Tarshish, or Tharshish, is, on very good grounds, considered to be Tartessus, a very important commercial settlement of the Phœnicians, on the Atlantic coast of Spain, at the mouth of the Bœtis, or Guadalquiver, and not far from the ancient Gades, now Cadiz: in Gen. x. 4; Ps. lxxii. 10; Ezek. xxxiii. 13; Jer. x. 9; Ezek. xxvii. 9; Isa. xxiii. 1, 6, 10; Isa. lxvi. 19, mention is made of this Phœnician trade.
I imagine that the Phœnicians, who doubtless built the ships for this new trade to Ophir, took for their models those vessels which were engaged in their most distant voyages, viz., in the trade to Tartessus, and the isles of the west (Britain); or that they took some of these vessels to pieces, carried them across the Isthmus of Suez (as has been done subsequently by the Sultan of Cairo and others), and put them together in the Red Sea. In either case the name “ships of Tharshish” would be applied to them in the same sense as we should make use of the terms “Indiamen,” or “Australian clippers.” That is to say, first-class merchant vessels. Some have supposed that two fleets were used for this voyage, one in the Mediterranean, and the other in the Red Sea; but it is by no means likely that the Phœnicians, who were not “Free-traders,” would allow Solomon to participate in the Tartessus or Mediterranean trade, although they were perfectly willing to obtain his co-operation and powerful assistance where they required it, by way of Tadmor and in the Red Sea, by both of which routes they had to contend with the Arabs. If the Tarshish in these passages be the Tartessus in the Mediterranean, then we have a certain proof that the ships of Solomon circumnavigated Africa, and that Ophir must have been situated on the east or west coast of Africa in the voyage from Ezion-geber to Tartessus or Tharshish.
The earliest account which we have of Africa having been circumnavigated is certainly by the Phœnicians, under the orders of Necho (Pharo-Necho), king of Egypt, who sent ships on a voyage of discovery down the Red Sea, to proceed along the coast of Africa, and endeavour to return by the Pillars of Hercules.
Herodotus narrates, in a few words, the results of this enterprize, which was undertaken about 604 years before the Christian era. He says, “The Phœnicians, setting sail from the Red Sea, made their way into the Southern Sea; and when autumn approached they drew their vessels to land, sowed a crop, and waited till it was grown, when they reaped it, and again put to sea. Having spent two years in this manner, in the third year they reached the Pillars of Hercules, and returned to Egypt, reporting what does not find belief with me, but may perhaps with some other person; for they said that in passing Africa they had the sun on their right hand. In this manner Libya was first known.” Now, it so happens that the very fact which caused Herodotus to doubt the authenticity of the account of this voyage is to us one of the most convincing proofs of the truth of the narrative, viz., “that in passing Africa (after rounding the Cape of Good Hope) they had the sun on their right hand.” While I am disposed to contend that Africa was circumnavigated from the Red Sea in the reign of Pharo-Necho, I cannot bring myself to believe (without more convincing proof than simply the statement that from Ezion-geber “the king’s ships went to Tharshish”) that the Hebrew-Phœnician fleet circumnavigated Africa 400 years previous to the Egypto-Phœnician fleet of Pharo-Necho; for, if such was the case, the Phœnicians would have been aware of the previous circumnavigation of Libya, and both events would have been handed down by the Phœnicians—for we learn from Josephus that they were in the habit of preserving in their records events of much less importance to them, as a commercial nation, than the circumnavigation of a large continent, rich in the most coveted commodities of the eastern world. I am therefore inclined to think that the Tharshish of Chronicles cannot be the Tartessus of Spain; and will, in the following inquiry, seek only to establish the position of Ophir, as the products of that place were the objects sought by the Hebrew-Phœnician fleet.
Various points on the eastern coast of Africa have been fixed upon, but generally the conclusion is in favour of Sofala, which I am inclined to think is the correct position. João dos Sanctos tells us, as we find it in Purchas:—
“Near to Massapa is a great hill called Fura, whence may be discerned a great part of the kingdom of Monomotapa, for which cause he (the king) will not suffer the Portuguese to go thither, that they should not covet his great country and hidden mines. On the top of that hill are yet standing pieces of old walls and ancient ruins of lime and stone, which testify that there have been strong buildings—a thing not seen in all Caffraria, for even the king’s houses are of wood, daubed with clay, and covered with straw. The natives, and especially the Moors, have a tradition from their ancestors, that those houses belonged to the Queen of Saba, who carried much gold thence down to the Cuama (Zambesi) to the sea, and so along the coast of Ethiopia to the Red Sea. Others say that these ruins were Solomon’s factory, and that this Fura or Afura is no other than Ophir, the name being not much altered in so long a time. This is certain, that round about that hill there is much and find gold. The navigation might, in these times, be longer, for want of so good ships or pilots as are now to be had, and by reason of much time spent in trucking with the Caffres, as even in this time the merchants often spend a year or more in that business, although the Caffres be grown more covetous of our wares, and the mines better known. They are so lazy to gather gold that they will not do it till necessity constrain them. Much time is also spent in the voyage by the rivers, and by that sea which hath differing monsoons, and can be sailed but by two winds, which blow six months from the east, and as many from the west. Solomon’s fleet had, besides those mentioned, this let, that the Red Sea is not safely navigable but by day, by reason of many isles and shoals; likewise it was necessary to put into harbours for fresh water and other provisions”—[“This,” Purchas remarks, “was by reason their ships were small, as that infancy of navigation required”]—“and to take in new pilots and mariners, and to make reparations, which considered”—[adds Purchas, “with their creeping by the shore for want of compass and experience in those seas, and their Sabbath rests, and their truck with the Caffres”]—“might extend the whole voyage, in going, staying, and returning, to three years. Further, the ivory, apes, gems, and precious woods (which grow in the wild places of Tebe within Sofala) whence they make almaidas, or canoes, twenty yards long, of one timber; and much fine black wood (ebony) grows on that coast, and is thence carried to India and Portugal. All these may make the matter probable. As for peacocks, I saw none there, but there must needs be some within land; for I have seen some Caffres wear their plumes on their heads. As there is store of fine gold, so also is there fine silver in Chicona, which are rich mines.”
In addition to the statement of João dos Sanctos, who was a resident at Sofala, it may be asserted that all the circumstances which are against the theories which place Ophir in Arabia, the Persian Gulf, or even India and Ceylon, are in favour of its being fixed on the African coast.
It appears that “every three years” may, with equal or greater propriety, be rendered “every third year,” which may mean any time more than two years, and less than three; and, further, that as the Hebrews counted broken years and days for whole ones, it might not be even two years. Thus, if they left in the year 1, continued away all the year 2, and returned in the spring of the year 3, they would be said to return in the third year, though they had only been absent eighteen months. Thus our Saviour rose “on the third day,” though he had only been one day and two nights in the tomb.—See notes on 2 Chronicles, chap. xx., in the “Pictorial Bible.”
In order to throw a little more light on this subject, let us consider the winds in the Red Sea, which, in connection with the monsoons on the east coast of Africa, would be the most favourable for the navigation of a large fleet, in the infancy of maritime enterprise, prosecuting a voyage from the Gulf of Akaba to Sofala and back.
South winds predominate for two-thirds of the year in the south part of the Red Sea, viz., from October to June, and from about the middle of the month of June to the middle of October north winds prevail throughout the Red Sea.
I will, therefore, suppose that the Hebrew-Phœnician fleet was prepared to start from Ezion-geber with a fair wind on the 1st of July of the year 1 of this memorable voyage, and that all the vessels composing the fleet succeeded in rendezvousing at the great Arab emporium of Aden in Arabia, or at Berbera, Zeyla (or any of those outlets which we know the Arabs possessed for the commerce of north-eastern Africa), on the opposite coast of Africa. Here the fleet would be detained some time while refitting, provisioning, watering, repairing the damages of those vessels which had suffered in the dangerous navigation of the Red Sea; and obtaining pilots from the Arabs, who were acquainted with the harbours and rivers on the east coast of Africa.
The north-east monsoon blows in the Mozambique Channel, through which the fleet would have to pass on the voyage to Sofala, from November to April. This monsoon reaches Makallah about the 5th of November, and until about the 3rd of January the weather is unsettled in the Gulf of Aden—that is to say, between the meridians of Cape Guardafui and that of Bab-el-Mandeb.
It may fairly be supposed that the Hebrew-Phœnician fleet would not put to sea from the Arab emporium, where it was refitting, until the end of January of the year 2; for in the months of January, February, and March, fine clear weather prevails in the Gulf of Aden, and it is at this season that the Arabs carry on trade in the Gulf of Aden in their dhows, measuring from 50 to 300 tons burthen. By starting at this season the fleet would enter the north-east monsoon with fine clear weather, and reach Sofala in March or April, with the cessation of the north-east monsoon.
As the Phœnicians were accustomed to carry on their trade themselves, and had no factors or agents established, at least in the infancy of the trade, at Sofala, we may assume that they spent the whole of the six months from April to November of year 2, when the south-west or fair monsoon for the return voyage was blowing, in trading with the natives or residents at this African-Arabic settlement of Sabia; and also that they were only prepared to return when the next fair monsoon (S.W.) set in at Sofala, viz., in April of year 3. That is to say, they were detained by trading and a contrary monsoon for one year at Sofala.
In the month of April or May of year 3, we will suppose the fleet to leave Sofala with the south-west monsoon, and reach Aden, or any neighbouring Arab emporium, before the unsettled weather which is to be found in the Gulf of Aden in the month of August. The fleet would be able to refit there so as to take advantage of the south wind commencing to blow in the month of October, and would reach Ezion-geber before the end of December of the year 3.
I have thus endeavoured to show that the time for prosecuting a successful trading voyage from Ezion-geber to Ophir or Sofala and back, would be nearly three years.
All the articles enumerated in Scripture are to be found at Sofala, with, perhaps, the exception of the peacock (see vol. i., p. 208); I am not aware that this bird is to be found in Africa—it has hitherto been looked upon as an Indian bird; and, in consequence, I suppose, some have compared תוכיים, _tukejem_, with the word תכה, _takah_, to cling; in Deuteronomy xxxiii., v. 3, and translated it parrots.[11] But the east coast of Africa has no parrots—only paroquets—while they are to be found in great numbers at the mouth of nearly all the rivers on the west coast of Africa. The nearest place to Sofala where parrots can be obtained is on the island of Madagascar, where a very handsome jet-black parrot may be procured.
The meaning of the Hebrew word translated peacocks is a disputed point, and some have held that it means the bird called guinea-fowl, which is found in great numbers on the east coast of Africa.
The inscriptions on the ruins at Zimboë might throw a new light on the position of Ophir, and perhaps entirely clear up one of the most interesting questions of Sacred history.
THE END.
LONDON: PRINTED BY R. BORN, GLOUCESTER STREET, REGENT’S PARK.
FOOTNOTES
[1] See vol. i., p. 333.
[2] See vol. i. p. 120.
[3] See vol. i., chap. viii. on Delagoa Bay: its History and Resources.
[4] To his widow and five orphans he has left the heritage of a good name: while it is hoped that the reader will assist the author to respond to an earnest appeal which has just reached him, from Natal, on their behalf.
[5] 1 Kings, chapter x., v. 10.
[6] See Appendix C.
[7] See Captain R. L. Playfair’s _History of Arabia Felix, or Yemen_, 1859.
[8] See the accompanying chart of Eastern Africa, and the author’s letters on this route in “_The Times_” of September 14, 1859, _et seq._
[9] The author has to acknowledge the kind assistance of his friend Mr. Consul Brand in translating the above from a Portuguese account.
[10] NOTE BY SIR J. W. HOOKER:—“This is doubtless the common hemp (_Cannabis sativa_), which is grown and used in various parts of tropical Africa and all over India (where it is also called ‘Bang’) for smoking, &c. In Europe, and as far north as Archangel, it is only used for its fibre in making cloth, cordage, &c.”
[11] For this information I am greatly indebted to the Rev. Dr. M. Heidenheim.
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=MEMOIRS OF THE COURT OF GEORGE IV.= FROM ORIGINAL FAMILY DOCUMENTS. By the DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS, K.G. 2 vols. 8vo. with Portraits. 30s. bound.
Among the many interesting subjects elucidated in this work will be found: The Trial of Queen Caroline—The King’s Visits to Ireland, Scotland, and Hanover—Female Influence at Court—The Death of Lord Castlereagh—Junction of the Grenville Party with the Government—The Political and Literary Career of George Canning—O’Connell and the Catholic Claims—The Marquess Wellesley in Ireland—The Duke of Wellington’s Administration—George the Fourth as a Patron of Art and Literature, &c.
“The country is very much indebted to the Duke of Buckingham for the publication of these volumes—to our thinking the most valuable of the contributions to recent history which he has yet compiled from his family papers. Besides the King, the Duke of Buckingham’s canvass is full of the leading men of the day—Castlereagh, Liverpool, Canning, Wellington, Peel, and their compeers. We are sure that no reader, whether he seeks for gossip, or for more sterling information, will be disappointed by the book. There are several most characteristic letters of the Duke of Wellington.”—_John Bull._
“These volumes are the most popular of the series of Buckingham papers, not only from the nature of the matter, but from the closeness of the period to our own times.”—_Spectator._
“There is much in these volumes which deserves the perusal of all who desire an Intimate acquaintance with the history of the period. The comments of well-informed men, like Lord Grenville and Mr. T. Grenville, disclosing as they do the motives of individuals, the secret movements of parties, and the causes of public events, are of high value to the student, and exceedingly interesting to the general reader.”—_Daily News._
“These volumes are of great Intrinsic and historical value. They give us a definite acquaintance with the actions, a valuable insight into the characters, of a succession of illustrious statesmen.”—_Critic._
“The original documents published In these volumes—penned by public men, who were themselves active participators In the events and scenes described—throw a great deal of very curious and very valuable light upon this period of our history. The private letters of such men as Lord Grenville, Mr. T. Grenville, Mr. Charles Wynn, Mr. Freemantle, Dr. Phillimore, and Mr. Plumer Ward, written in the absence of all restraint, necessarily possess a high interest even for the lightest and most careless reader; whilst, in an historical sense, as an authentic source from which future historians will be enabled to form their estimate of the characters of the leading men who nourished in the reign of the last George, they must be regarded as possessing an almost inestimable value. The more reserved communications, too, of such men as Lord Liverpool, the Duke of Wellington, the Marquis of Wellesley, Sir Henry Parnell, &c., will be received with great interest and thankfulness by every historiographer, whilst the lighter _billets_ of Sir Walter Scott and Mr. Henry Wynn will be welcome to every body. Taking this publication altogether, we must give the Duke of Buckingham great credit for the manner in which he has prepared and executed it, and at the same time return him our hearty thanks for the interesting and valuable information which he has unfolded to us from his family archives.”—_Observer._
=MEMOIRS OF THE COURT OF THE REGENCY.= FROM ORIGINAL FAMILY DOCUMENTS. By the DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS, K.G. 2 vols. 8vo., with Portraits, 30s. bound.
“Here are two more goodly volumes on the English Court; volumes full of new sayings, pictures, anecdotes, and scenes. The Duke of Buckingham travels over nine years of English history. But what years those were, from 1811 to 1820! What events at home and abroad they bore to the great bourne!—from the accession of the Regent to power to the death of George III.—including the fall of Perceval; the invasion of Russia, and the war in Spain; the battles of Salumanca and Horodino; the fire of Moscow; the retreat of Napoleon; the conquest of Spain; the surrender of Napoleon; the return from Elba; the Congress of Vienna; the Hundred Days; the crowning carnage of Waterloo; the exile to St. Helena; the return of the Bourbons; the settlement of Europe; the public scandals at the English Court; the popular discontent, and the massacre of Peterloo! On many parts of this story the documents published by the Duke of Buckingham cast new jets of light, clearing up much secret history. Old stories are confirmed—new traits of character are brought out. In short, many new and pleasant additions are made to our knowledge of those times.”—_Athenæum._
“Invaluable, as showing the true light in which many of the stirring events of the Regency are to be viewed. The lovers of Court gossip will also find not a little for their edification and amusement.”—_Literary Gazette._
“These volumes cover a complete epoch, the period of the Regency—a period of large and stirring English history. To the Duke of Buckingham, who thus, out of his family archives, places within our reach authentic and exceedingly minute pictures of the governors of England, we owe grateful acknowledgements. His papers abound in fresh lights on old topics, and in new illustrations and anecdotes. The intrinsic value of the letters is enhanced by the judicious setting of the explanatory comment that accompanies them, which is put together with much care and honesty.”—_Examiner._
=MEMOIRS OF THE COURT AND CABINETS OF GEORGE THE THIRD.= FROM ORIGINAL FAMILY DOCUMENTS. By the DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM AND CHANDOS, K.G., &c. THE THIRD AND FOURTH VOLUMES, comprising the period from 1800 to 1810 and completing this important work. 8vo., with Portraits. 30s. bound.
“The present volumes exhibit the same features as the former portion of the series. The general reader is entertained, and the reader for historical purposes is enlightened. Of their value and importance, there cannot be two opinions.”—_Athenæum._
“These volumes comprehend a period the most important in the events relating to our domestic affairs and foreign relations to be found in the British annuls; told, not only by eye-witnesses, but by the very men who put them in motion. The volumes now published immeasurably exceed their predecessors in interest and importance. They must find a place in the library of every English gentleman.”—_Standard._
=HISTORY OF THE REIGN OF HENRY IV., KING OF FRANCE AND NAVARRE.= From numerous Original Sources. By MISS FREER. Author of “The Lives of Marguerite d’Angoulême, Elizabeth de Valois, Henry III,” &c. 2 vols. with Portraits, 21s.
=LECTURES ON ART, LITERATURE, AND SOCIAL SCIENCE.= By HIS EMINENCE CARDINAL WISEMAN. 1 vol. with Portrait. (_In Preparation._)
=HENRY III. KING OF FRANCE AND POLAND; HIS COURT AND TIMES.= From numerous unpublished sources, including MS. Documents in the Bibliothèque Impériale, and the Archives of France and Italy. By MISS FREER. Author of “Marguerite d’Angoulême,” “Elizabeth de Valois, and the Court of Philip II,” &c. 3 vols. post 8vo. with fine portraits, 31s. 6d. bound.
“Miss Freer having won for herself the reputation of a most painstaking and trustworthy historian not less than an accomplished writer, by her previous memoirs of sovereigns of the houses of Valois and Navarre, will not fail to meet with a most cordial and hearty welcome for her present admirable history of Henry III., the last of the French kings of the house of Valois. We refer our readers to the volumes themselves for the interesting details of the life and reign of Henry III., his residence in Poland, his marriage with Louise de Lorraine, his cruelties, his hypocrisies, his penances, his assassination by the hands of the monk Jaques Clément, &c. Upon these points, as well as with reference to other persons who occupied a prominent position during this period, abundant information is afforded by Miss Freer; and the public will feel with us that a deep debt of gratitude is due to that lady for the faithful and admirable manner in which she has pourtrayed the Court and Times of Henry the Third.”—_Chronicle._
“The previous historical labours of Miss Freer were so successful as to afford a rich promise in the present undertaking, the performance of which, it is not too much to say, exceeds expectation, and testifies to her being not only the most accomplished, but the most accurate of modern female historians. The Life of Henry III. of France is a contribution to literature which will have a reputation as imperishable as its present fame must be large and increasing. Indeed, the book is of such a truly fascinating character, that once begun it is impossible to leave it.”—_Messenger._
“Among the class of chronicle histories, Miss Freer’s Henry the Third of France is entitled to a high rank. As regards style and treatment Miss Freer has made a great advance upon her ‘Elizabeth de Valois,’ as that book was an advance upon her ‘Marguerite D’Angoulême.’”—_Spectator._
“We heartily recommend this work to the reading public. Miss Freer has much, perhaps all, of the quick perception and picturesque style by which Miss Strickland has earned her well-deserved popularity.”—_Critic._
=ELIZABETH DE VALOIS, QUEEN OF SPAIN, AND THE COURT OF PHILIP II.= From numerous unpublished sources in the Archives of France, Italy, and Spain. By MISS FREER. 2 vols. post 8vo. with fine Portraits by HEATH. 21s.
“It is not attributing too much to Miss Freer to say that herself and Mr. Prescott are probably the best samples of our modern biographers. The present volumes will be a boon to posterity for which it will be grateful. Equally suitable for instruction and amusement, they portray one of the most interesting characters and periods of history.”—_John Bull._
“Such a book as the memoir of Elizabeth de Valois is a literary treasure which will be the more appreciated as its merits obtain that reputation to which they most justly are entitled. Miss Freer has done her utmost to make the facts of Elizabeth’s, Don Carlos’, and Philip II.’s careers fully known, as they actually transpired.”—_Bell’s Messenger._
=THE LIFE OF MARGUERITE D’ANGOULEME, QUEEN of NAVARRE, SISTER of FRANCIS I.= By MISS FREER. Second Edition, 2 vols. with fine Portraits, 21s.
“This is a very useful and amusing book. It is a good work, very well done. The authoress is quite equal in power and grace to Miss Strickland. She must have spent great time and labour in collecting the information, which she imparts in an easy and agreeable manner. It is difficult to lay down her book after having once begun it. This is owing partly to the interesting nature of the subject, partly to the skilful manner in which it has been treated. No other life of Marguerite has yet been published, even in France. Indeed, till Louis Philippe ordered the collection and publication of manuscripts relating to the history of France, no such work could be published. It is difficult to conceive how, under any circumstances, it could have been better done.”—_Standard._
=LODGE’S PEERAGE AND BARONETAGE FOR 1860.= UNDER THE ESPECIAL PATRONAGE OF HER MAJESTY AND H.R.H. THE PRINCE CONSORT. Corrected throughout by the Nobility. Twenty-Ninth Edition, in 1 vol. royal 8vo., with the Arms beautifully engraved, handsomely bound, with gilt edges, price 31s. 6d.
LODGE’S PEERAGE AND BARONETAGE is acknowledged to be the most complete, as well as the most elegant, work of the kind. As an established and authentic authority on all questions respecting the family histories, honours, and connections of the titled aristocracy, no work has ever stood so high. It is published under the especial patronage of Her Majesty, and His Royal Highness the Prince Consort, and is annually corrected throughout, from the personal communications of the Nobility. It is the only work of its class, in which, _the type being kept constantly standing_, every correction is made in its proper place to the date of publication, an advantage which gives it supremacy over all its competitors. Independently of its full and authentic information respecting the existing Peers and Baronets of the realm, the most sedulous attention is given in its pages to the collateral branches of the various noble families, and the names of many thousand individuals are introduced, which do not appear in other records of the titled classes. For its authority, correctness, and facility of arrangement, and the beauty of its typography and binding, the work is justly entitled to the high place it occupies on the tables of Her Majesty and the Nobility.
“Lodge’s Peerage must supersede all other works of the kind, for two reasons: first, it is on a better plan; and, secondly, it is better executed. We can safely pronounce it to be the readiest, the most useful, and exactest of modern works on the subject.”—_Spectator._
“A work which corrects all errors of former works. It is the production of a herald, we had almost said, by birth, but certainly by profession and studies, Mr. Lodge, the Norroy King of Arms. It is a most useful publication.”—_Times._
“As perfect a Peerage of the British Empire as we are ever likely to see published. Great pains have been taken to make it as complete and accurate as possible. The work is patronised by Her Majesty and the Prince Consort; and it is worthy of a place in every gentleman’s library, as well as in every public institution.”—_Herald._
“As a work of contemporaneous history, this volume is of great value—the materials having been derived from the most authentic sources and in the majority of cases emanating from the noble families themselves. It contains all the needful information respecting the nobility of the Empire.”—_Post._
“This work should form a portion of every gentleman’s library. At all times, the information which it contains, derived from official sources exclusively at the command of the author, is of importance to most classes of the community; to the antiquary it must be invaluable, for implicit reliance may be placed on its contents.”—_Globe._
“This work derives great value from the high authority of Mr. Lodge. The plan is excellent.”—_Literary Gazette._
“When any book has run through so many editions, its reputation is so indelibly stamped, that it requires neither criticism nor praise. It is but just, however, to say, that ‘Lodge’s Peerage and Baronetage’ is the most elegant and accurate, and the best of its class. The chief point of excellence attaching to this Peerage consists neither in its elegance of type nor its completeness of illustration, but in its authenticity, which is insured by the letter-press being always kept standing, and by immediate alteration being made whenever any change takes place, either by death or otherwise, amongst the nobility of the United Kingdom. The work has obtained the special patronage of Her Most Gracious Majesty, and of His Royal Highness the Prince Consort, which patronage has never been better or more worthily bestowed.”—_Messenger._
“‘Lodge’s Peerage and Baronetage’ has become, as it were, an ‘Institution’ of this country; in other words, it is indispensable, and cannot be done without, by any person having business in the great world. The authenticity of this valuable work, as regards the several topics to which it refers, has never been exceeded, and, consequently, it must be received as one of the most important contributions to social and domestic history extant. A book of reference—indispensable in most cases, useful in all—it should be in the hands of every one having connections in, or transactions with, the aristocracy.”—_Observer._
=LODGE’S GENEALOGY OF THE PEERAGE AND BARONETAGE OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE.= A NEW AND REVISED EDITION. Uniform with “THE PEERAGE” Volume, with the arms beautifully engraved, handsomely bound with gilt edges, price 31s. 6d.
The desire very generally manifested for a republication of this volume has dictated the present entire revision of its contents. The Armorial Bearings prefixed to the History of each Noble Family, render the work complete in itself and uniform with the Volume of THE PEERAGE, which it is intended to accompany and illustrate. The object of the whole Work, in its two distinct yet combined characters, has been useful and correct information; and the careful attention devoted to this object throughout will, it is hoped, render the Work worthy of the August Patronage with which it is honoured and of the liberal assistance accorded by its Noble Correspondents, and will secure from them and from the Public, the same cordial reception it has hitherto experienced. The great advantage of “The Genealogy” being thus given in a separate volume, Mr. Lodge has himself explained in the Preface to “The Peerage.”
=EPISODES OF FRENCH HISTORY DURING THE CONSULATE AND FIRST EMPIRE.= By MISS PARDOE, author of “The Life of Marie de Medicis,” &c. 2 vols. 21s.
“We recommend Miss Pardoe’s ‘Episodes’ as very pleasant reading. They cannot fail to entertain and instruct.”—_Critic._
“One of the most amusing and instructive books Miss Pardoe has ever given to the public.”—_Messenger._
“In this lively and agreeable book Miss Pardoe gives a fair picture of the society of the times, which has never been treated in a more interesting and pleasant manner.”—_Chronicle._
=THE LIFE AND TIMES OF GEORGE VILLIERS, DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.= By MRS. THOMSON, Author of “The Life of the Duchess of Marlborough,” “Memoirs of Sir W. Raleigh,” &c. With Portrait. (_Just Ready._)
=THE LIVES OF PHILIP HOWARD, EARL OF ARUNDEL, AND OF ANNE DACRES, HIS WIFE.= Edited from the Original MSS. By the DUKE OF NORFOLK, E.M. 1 vol. antique.
“These biographies will be read with Interest. They throw valuable light on the social habits and the prevalent feelings of the Elizabethan age.”—_Literary Gazette._
=MEMOIRS OF BERANGER. WRITTEN BY HIMSELF.= ENGLISH COPYRIGHT EDITION. Second Edition, with numerous Additional Anecdotes and Notes, hitherto unpublished. 8vo. with Portrait.
“This is the Copyright Translation of Beranger’s Biography. It appears in a handsome volume, and is worthy of all praise as an honest piece of work. In this account of his life, the Poet displays all the mingled gaiety and earnestness, the warm-hearted sincerity, inseparable from his character. He tells, with an exquisite simplicity, the story of his early years. His life, he says, is the fairest commentary on his songs, therefore he writes it. The charm of the narrative is altogether fresh. It includes a variety of _chansons_, now first printed, touching closely on the personal history of which they form a part, shrewd sayings, and, as the field of action in life widens, many sketches of contemporaries, and free judgments upon men and things. There is a full appendix to the Memoir, rich in letters hitherto unpublished, and in information which completes the story of Beranger’s life. The book should be read by all.”—_Examiner._
=THE BOOK OF ORDERS OF KNIGHTHOOD, AND DECORATIONS OF HONOUR OF ALL NATIONS; COMPRISING AN HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF EACH ORDER, MILITARY, NAVAL AND CIVIL=; with Lists of the Knights and Companions of each British Order. EMBELLISHED WITH FIVE HUNDRED FAC-SIMILE COLOURED ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE INSIGNIA OF THE VARIOUS ORDERS. Edited by SIR BERNARD BURKE, Ulster King of Arms. 1 vol. royal 8vo., handsomely bound, with gilt edges, price £2. 2s.
“This valuable and attractive work may claim the merit of being the best of its kind. It is so comprehensive in its character, and so elegant in its style, that it far outstrips all competitors. A full historical account of the orders of every country is given, with lists of the Knights and Companions of each British Order. Among the most attractive features of the work are the illustrations. They are numerous and beautiful, highly coloured, and giving an exact representation of the different decorations. The origin of each Order, the rules and regulations, and the duties incumbent on its members, are all given at full length. The fact of the work being under the supervision of Sir Bernard Burke, and endorsed by his authority, gives it another recommendation to the public favour.”—_Sun._
“This is, indeed, a splendid book. It is an uncommon combination of a library book of reference and a book for a boudoir, undoubtedly uniting beauty and utility. It gives a sketch of the foundation and history of all recognised decorations of honour, among all nations, arranged in alphabetical order. The fac-similes of the insignia are well drawn and coloured, and present a brilliant effect. Sir Bernard Burke has done his work well; and this book of the quintessence of the aristocracy will soon find its place in every library and drawing-room.”—_Globe._
=JOURNAL OF AN ENGLISH OFFICER IN INDIA.= By MAJOR NORTH, 60th Rifles, Deputy Judge Advocate-General, and Aide-de-Camp to General Havelock. 1 vol. with portrait.
“We must commend Major’s North’s ‘Journal’ to universal approbation. It is manly in tone, noble in expression, and full of feeling, alike honourable to the soldier and his gallant profession. When we state that the book tells of the progress of the lion-hearted Havelock’s little band which relieved Lucknow, and is the first faithful record of the deeds of arms performed by that phalanx of heroes, we have said enough to cause it to be read, we are convinced, by every person who can avail himself of the opportunity of learning what were the hardships of his countrymen, and how immense were the sacrifices they made to save the English besieged inhabitants from a repetition of the atrocities of Cawnpore. We have as yet seen no book connected with the Indian mutiny which has given us so much gratification as Major North’s Journal.”—_Messenger._
=EASTERN HOSPITALS AND ENGLISH NURSES=; The Narrative of Twelve Months’ Experience in the Hospitals of Koulali and Scutari. By A LADY VOLUNTEER. Third and Cheaper Edition, 1 vol. post 8vo. with Illustrations, 6s. bound.
“The story of the noble deeds done by Miss Nightingale and her devoted sisterhood will never be more effectively told than in the beautiful narrative contained in these volumes.”—_John Bull._
=PICTURES OF SPORTING LIFE AND CHARACTER.= By LORD WILLIAM LENNOX. 2 vols. with Illustrations. 21s.
“This work may be characterised as a perfect synopsis of English sports in the 19th century. Were the whole of the books previously written on the subject destroyed. Lord William Lennox’s alone would preserve a lifelike picture of the sports and amusements of our age. The volumes will be read with intense enjoyment by multitudes, for their author is an accomplished _littérateur_, who has known how to vary his theme so skillfully and to intersperse it with so many anecdotes and personal recollections of England’s most distinguished men, that even those who are not themselves given to sport will be deeply interested in the light he throws upon English society.”—_Illustrated News of the World._
=THE COUNTESS OF BONNEVAL: HER LIFE AND LETTERS.= By LADY GEORGIANA FULLERTON. 2 vols. 21s.
“The whole work forms one of those touching stories which create a lasting impression.”—_Athenæum._
“The life of the Count de Bonneval is a page in history, but it reads like a romance; that of the Countess, removed from war and politics, never oversteps the domestic sphere, yet is equally romantic and singular. An accomplished writer has taken up the threads of this modest life, and brought out her true character in a very interesting and animated memoir. The story of the Countess of Bonneval is related with that happy art and grace which so characterise the author.”—_U. S. Magazine._
=THE LIFE OF MARIE DE MEDICIS, QUEEN OF FRANCE=, CONSORT OF HENRY IV., AND REGENT UNDER LOUIS XIII. By MISS PARDOE. Second Edition. 3 vols. 8vo. Portraits.
=MEMOIRS OF THE BARONESS D’OBERKIRCH=, ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE SECRET HISTORY OF THE COURTS OF FRANCE, RUSSIA, AND GERMANY. WRITTEN BY HERSELF, and Edited by Her Grandson, the COUNT DE MONTBRISON. 3 vols. post 8vo. 15s.
“The Baroness d’Oberkirch being the intimate friend of the Empress of Russia, wife of Paul I., and the confidential companion of the Duchess of Bourbon, her facilities for obtaining information respecting the most private affairs of the principal Courts of Europe, render her Memoirs unrivalled as a book of interesting anecdotes of the royal, noble and other celebrated individuals who flourished on the continent during the latter part of the last century. The volumes form a valuable addition to the personal history of an important period. They deserve general popularity.”—_Daily News._
=MEMOIRS OF RACHEL.= 2 vols. with Portrait. 21s.
“A book sure to attract public attention, and well meriting it.”—_Globe._
=SCOTTISH HEROES IN THE DAYS OF WALLACE AND BRUCE.= By the REV. A. LOW, A.M. 2 vols. post.
=MEMOIRS AND CORRESPONDENCE OF MAJOR GENERAL SIR W. NOTT, G.C.B.=, COMMANDER OF THE ARMY OF CANDAHAR, AND ENVOY AT THE COURT OF LUCKNOW. 2 vols. 8vo. with Portrait. 16s. bound.
=RULE AND MISRULE OF THE ENGLISH IN AMERICA.= By the Author of “SAM SLICK.” 2 vols. post 8vo.
“We conceive this work to be by far the most valuable and important Judge Haliburton has ever written. While teeming with interest, moral and historical, to the general reader, it equally constitutes a philosophical study for the politician and statesman. It will be found to let in a flood of light upon the actual origin, formation, and progress of the republic of the United States.”—_Naval and Military Gazette._
=RECOLLECTIONS OF WEST END LIFE; WITH SKETCHES OF SOCIETY IN PARIS, INDIA, &c.= By MAJOR CHAMBRE, late 17th Lancers. 2 vols. with Portrait of George IV.
“We find in Major Chambre’s lively sketches a mass of amusing anecdotes relating to persons eminent in their day for their position, wit, and political reputation. All that relates to George IV. will be read with attention and interest.”—_Messenger._
=THE UPPER and LOWER AMOOR; A NARRATIVE OF TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE.= By T. W. ATKINSON. Author of “ORIENTAL and WESTERN SIBERIA.” With Map and numerous Illustrations. (_In the Press._)
=SIXTEEN YEARS OF AN ARTIST’S LIFE IN MOROCCO, SPAIN, AND THE CANARY ISLANDS.= By MRS. ELIZABETH MURRAY. 2 vols. 8vo. with Coloured Illustrations.
“Mrs. Murray, wife, we believe, of the English Consul at Teneriffe, is one of the first of female English Water Colour Artists. She draws well, and her colour is bright, pure, transparent, and sparkling. Her book is like her painting, luminous, rich and fresh. We welcome it (as the public will also do) with sincere pleasure. It is a hearty book, written by a clever, quick-sighted, and thoughtful woman, who, slipping a steel pen on the end of her brush, thus doubly armed, uses one end as well as the other, being with both a bright colourer, and accurate describer of colours, outlines, sensations, landscapes and things. In a word, Mrs. Murray is a clever artist, who writes forcibly and agreeably.”—_Athenæum._
“Mrs. Elizabeth Murray is known to the artistic world as the principal star of the Female Exhibition of Paintings. She left England as she tells us, at eighteen, with all the man who is successively Consul at Tangiers and Teneriffe. She has, in consequence, peculiar advantages for the observation of Moorish and Spanish society, and as she possesses great observation and wields the pen as cleverly as the pencil, she has produced a book not only of interest, but of importance. In every way, whether descriptive or anecdotal, the work claims to be placed amongst the very best works of travel in the English Language.”—_Chronicle._
=REVELATIONS OF PRISON LIFE=; WITH AN ENQUIRY INTO PRISON DISCIPLINE AND SECONDARY PUNISHMENTS. By GEORGE LAVAL CHESTERTON, 25 Years Governor of the House of Correction at Cold-Bath Fields. Third Edition, Revised. 1 vol.
“Mr. Chesterton has had a rare experience of human frailty. He has lived with the felon, the forger, the _lorette_, the vagabond, the murderer; has looked into the darkest sepulchres of the heart, without finding reason to despair of mankind. In his belief the worst of men have still some of the angel left. Such a testimony from such a quarter is full of novelty us it is of interest. As a curious bit of human history these volumes are remarkable. They are very real, very simple; dramatic without exaggeration, philosophic without being dull.”—_Athenæum._
=THE OLD COURT SUBURB; OR, MEMORIALS OF KENSINGTON=; REGAL, CRITICAL, AND ANECDOTICAL. By LEIGH HUNT. Second Edition. 2 vols. post 8vo.
“A delightful book. It will be welcome to all readers, and most welcome to those who have a love for the best kinds of reading.”—_Examiner._
=MY EXILE.= BY ALEXANDER HERZEN. 2 vols.
“Mr. Herzen’s narrative, ably and unaffectedly written, and undoubtedly authentic, is indeed superior in interest to nine-tenths of the existing works on Russia.”—_Athenæum._
=A PRACTICAL GUIDE IN OBTAINING PROBATES, ADMINISTRATIONS, &c.=, in Her Majesty’s Court of Probate; with numerous Precedents. By EDWARD WEATHERLY, of Doctor’s Commons. Dedicated, by permission, to the Right Hon. Sir CRESSWELL CRESSWELL, Judge of the New Court of Probate. Cheaper Edition. 12s.
“A most valuable book. Its contents are very diversified—meeting almost every use.”—_Solicitor’s Journal._
=ORIENTAL AND WESTERN SIBERIA=; A NARRATIVE OF SEVEN YEARS’ EXPLORATIONS AND ADVENTURES IN SIBERIA, MONGOLIA, THE KIRGHIS STEPPES, CHINESE TARTARY, AND CENTRAL ASIA. By THOMAS WITLAM ATKINSON. In one large volume, royal 8vo., Price £2. 2s., elegantly bound. Embellished with upwards of 50 Illustrations, including numerous beautifully coloured plates, from drawings by the Author, and a map.
“By virtue alike of its text and its pictures, we place this book of travel in the first rank among those illustrated gift books now so much sought by the public. Mr. Atkinson’s book is most readable. The geographer finds in it notice of ground heretofore left undescribed, the ethnologist, geologist, and botanist, find notes and pictures, too, of which they know the value, the sportman’s taste is gratified by chronicles of sport, the lover of adventure will find a number of perils and escapes to hang over, and the lover of a frank good-humoured way of speech will find the book a pleasant one in every page. Seven years of wandering, thirty-nine thousand five hundred miles of moving to and fro in a wild and almost unknown country, should yield a book worth reading, and they do.”—_Examiner._
“A book of travels which in value and sterling interest must take rank as a landmark in geographical literature. Its coloured illustrations and wood engravings are of a high order, and add a great charm to the narrative. Mr. Atkinson has travelled where it is believed no European has been before. He has seen nature in the wildest, sublimest, and also the most beautiful aspects the old world can present. These he has depicted by pen and pencil. He has done both well. Many a fireside will rejoice in the determination which converted the artist into an author. Mr. Atkinson is a thorough Englishman, brave and accomplished, a lover of adventure and sport of every kind. He knows enough of mineralogy, geology, and botany to impart a scientific interest to his descriptions and drawings; possessing a keen sense of humour, he tells many a racy story. The sportsman and the lover of adventure, whether by flood or field, will find ample stores in the stirring tales of his interesting travels.”—_Daily News._
“An animated and intelligent narrative, appreciably enriching the literature of English travel. Mr. Atkinson’s sketches were made by express permission of the late Emperor of Russia. Perhaps no English artist was ever before admitted into this enchanted land of history, or provided with the talisman and amulet of a general passport; and well has Mr. Atkinson availed himself of the privilege. Our extracts will have served to illustrate the originality and variety of Mr. Atkinson’s observations and adventures during his protracted wanderings of nearly forty thousand miles. Mr. Atkinson’s pencil was never idle, and he has certainly brought home with him the forms, and colours, and other characteristics of a most extraordinary diversity of groups and scenes. As a sportsman Mr. Atkinson enjoyed a plenitude of excitement. His narrative is well stored with incidents of adventure. His ascent of the Blelouka is a chapter of the most vivid romance of travel, yet it is less attractive than his relations of wanderings across the Desert of Gobi and up the Tangnou Chaiu.”—_Athenæum._
“We predict that Mr. Atkinson’s ‘Siberia’ will very often assume the shape of a Christmas Present or New Year’s Gift, as it possesses, in an eminent degree, four very precious and suitable qualities for that purpose,—namely, usefulness, elegance, instruction and novelty. It is a work of great value, not merely on account of its splendid illustrations, but for the amount it contains of authentic and highly interesting intelligence concerning regions which, in all probability, has never, previous to Mr. Atkinson’s explorations, been visited by an European. Mr. Atkinson’s adventures are told in a manly style. The valuable and interesting information the book contains, gathered at a vast expense, is lucidly arranged, and altogether the work is one that the author-artist may well be proud of, and with which those who study it cannot fail to be delighted.”—_John Bull._
“To the geographer, the geologist, the ethnographer, the sportsman, and to those who read only for amusement, this will be an acceptable volume. Mr. Atkinson is not only an adventurous traveller, but a correct and amusing writer.”—_Literary Gazette._
=TRAVELS IN EASTERN AFRICA, WITH THE NARRATIVE OF A RESIDENCE IN MOZAMBIQUE: 1856 to 1859.= By LYONS McLEOD, Esq. F.R.G.S., &c. Late British Consul in Mozambique. 2 vols. With Map and Illustrations.
=A JOURNEY ON A PLANK FROM KIEV TO EAUX-BONNES.= By LADY CHARLOTTE PEPYS. 2 vols., with Illustrations. 21s. (_Just Ready_).
=LAKE NGAMI=; OR, EXPLORATIONS AND DISCOVERIES DURING FOUR YEARS’ WANDERINGS IN THE WILDS OF SOUTH-WESTERN AFRICA. By CHARLES JOHN ANDERSSON. 1 vol. royal 8vo., with Map and upwards of 50 Illustrations, representing Sporting Adventures, Subjects of Natural History, &c. Second Edition.
“This narrative of African explorations and discoveries is one of the most important geographical works that have lately appeared. It contains the account of two journeys made between the years 1850 and 1854, in the first of which the countries of the Damaras and the Ovambo, previously scarcely known in Europe, were explored; and in the second the newly-discovered Lake Ngami was reached by a route that had been deemed impracticable, but which proves to be the shortest and the best. The work contains much scientific and accurate information as to the geology, the scenery, products, and resources of the regions explored, with notices of the religion, manners, and customs of the native tribes. The continual sporting adventures, and other remarkable occurrences, intermingled with the narrative of travel, make the book as interesting to read as a romance, as, indeed, a good book of travels ought always to be. The illustrations by Wolf are admirably designed, and most of them represent scenes as striking as any witnessed by Jules Gérard or Gordon Cumming.”—_Literary Gazette._
=THE OXONIAN IN THELEMARKEN=; OR, NOTES OF TRAVEL IN SOUTH-WESTERN NORWAY, WITH GLANCES AT THE LEGENDARY LORE OF THAT DISTRICT. By the Rev. F. METCALFE M.A., Fellow of Lincoln College. 2 vols. with illustrations.
“This new book is as lively as its predecessor, its matter is as good, or better. The intermixture of legends and traditions with the notes of travel adds to the real value of the work, and strengthens its claim on a public that desires to be amused.”—_Examiner._
=THE OXONIAN IN NORWAY=; OR, NOTES OF EXCURSIONS IN THAT COUNTRY. By the Rev. F. METCALFE, M.A., Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. New and Cheaper Edition, revised, 1 vol. post 8vo., with Map and additional Illustrations.
“Mr. Metcalfe’s book is as full of facts and interesting information as it can hold, and is interlarded with racy anecdotes. Some of these are highly original and entertaining. More than this, it is a truly valuable work, containing a fund of information on the statistics, politics, and religion of the countries visited.”—_Blackwood’s Magazine._
=SIX YEARS IN RUSSIA.= BY AN ENGLISH LADY. 2 vols. post 8vo. with Illustrations. 21s. bound.
=A SUMMER AND WINTER IN THE TWO SICILIES.= By JULIA KAVANAGH, Author of “Nathalie,” “Adèle,” &c. 2 vols. post 8vo. with illustrations, 21s. bound.
“Miss Kavanagh is a woman of genius and imagination. She has a graceful and brilliant pen, much observation of character, and a keen eye for the aspects of nature. Her volumes contain much that is new. They are among the pleasantest volumes of travel we have lately met with, and we can cordially recommend them. Readers will find in these volumes the glow and colour of Italian skies, the rich and passionate beauty of Italian scenery, and the fresh simplicity of Southern life touched by the hand of an artist, and described by the perceptions of a warm-hearted and sympathizing woman.”—_The Press._
=THE JEWS IN THE EAST.= BY THE REV. P. BEATON, M.A. From the German of DR. FRANKL. 2 vols. 21s.
“Those persons who are curious in matters connected with Jerusalem and its inhabitants, are strongly recommended to read this work, which contains more information than is to be found in a dozen of the usual books of travel.”—_Times._
“This book will richly reward perusal. We cordially recommend the narrative for solid information given from an unusual point of view, for power of description, for incident, and for details of manners, domestic habits, traditions, &c.,”—_Globe._
“A very interesting work, one of the most original books of modern travel, that we have encountered for a long time.”—_John Bull._
=CHOW-CHOW; BEING SELECTIONS FROM A JOURNAL KEPT IN INDIA, &c.= By the VISCOUNTESS FALKLAND. New and Revised Edition, 2 vols. 8vo., with Illustrations. 21s.
“Lady Falkland’s work may be read with interest and pleasure, and the reader will rise from the perusal instructed as well as amused.”—_Athenæum._
=A PERSONAL NARRATIVE OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE NORTH-WEST PASSAGE= with Numerous Incidents of Travel and Adventure during nearly Five Years’ Continuous Service in the Arctic Regions while in Search of the Expedition under Sir John Franklin. By ALEX. ARMSTRONG, M.D., R.N., late Surgeon and Naturalist of H.M.S ‘Investigator.’ 1 vol. With Map and Plate, 16s.
“This book is sure to take a prominent position in every library in which works of discovery and adventure are to be met with.”—_Daily News._
=THE WANDERER IN ARABIA.= BY G. T. LOWTH, ESQ. 2 vols. post 8vo. with Illustrations. 12s.
“Mr. Lowth has shown himself in these volumes to be an intelligent traveller, a keen observer of nature, and an accomplished artist.”—_Post._
=SPORTING ADVENTURES IN THE NEW WORLD=; OR, DAYS AND NIGHTS OF MOOSE HUNTING IN THE PINE FORESTS OF ACADIA. By CAMPBELL HARDY, ROYAL ARTILLERY. 2 vols. post 8vo. with illustrations. 12s.
“A spirited record of sporting adventures, very entertaining and well worthy the attention of all sportsmen who desire some fresher field than Europe can afford them.”—_Press._
=A PILGRIMAGE INTO DAUPHINE=; WITH A VISIT TO THE MONASTERY OF THE GRANDE CHARTREUSE, AND ANECDOTES, INCIDENTS, AND SKETCHES FROM TWENTY DEPARTMENTS OF FRANCE. By the REV. G. M. MUSGRAVE, A.M. 2 vols. with Illustrations.
=FAMILY ROMANCE=; OR, DOMESTIC ANNALS OF THE ARISTOCRACY. BY SIR BERNARD BURKE, ULSTER KING OF ARMS. 2 vols. post 8vo. 21s.
Among the many other interesting legends and romantic family histories comprised in these volumes, will be found the following:—The wonderful narrative of Maria Stella, Lady Newborough, who claimed on such strong evidence to be a Princess of the House of Orleans, and disputed the identity of Louis Philippe—The story of the humble marriage of the beautiful Countess of Strathmore, and the sufferings and fate of her only child—The Leaders of Fashion, from Gramont to D’Orsay—The rise of the celebrated Baron Ward, now Prime Minister at Parma—The curious claim to the Earldom of Crawford—The Strange Vicissitudes of our Great Families, replete with the most romantic details—The story of the Kirkpatricks of Closeburn (the ancestors of the French Empress), and the remarkable tradition associated with, them—The Legend of the Lambtons—The verification in our own time of the famous prediction as to the Earls of Mar—Lady Ogilvy’s escape—The Beresford and Wynyard ghost stories, &c.
“It were impossible to praise too highly as a work of amusement these two most interesting volumes, whether we should have regard to its excellent plan or its not less excellent execution. The volumes are just what ought to be found on every drawing-room table. Here you have nearly fifty captivating romances with the pith of all their interest preserved in undiminished poignancy, and any one may be read in half an hour. It is not the least of their merits that the romances are founded on fact—or what, at least, has been handed down for truth by long tradition—and the romance of reality far exceeds the romance of fiction. Each story is told in the clear, unaffected style with which the author’s former works have made the public familiar.”—_Standard._
=THE ROMANCE OF THE FORUM=; OR, NARRATIVES, SCENES, AND ANECDOTES FROM COURTS OF JUSTICE. SECOND SERIES. BY PETER BURKE, ESQ., of the Inner Temple Barrister-at-Law. 2 vols. post 8vo. 12s.
PRINCIPAL CONTENTS:—Lord Crichton’s Revenge—The Great Douglas Cause—Lord and Lady Kinnaird—Marie Delorme and Her Husband—The Spectral Treasure—Murders in Inns of Court—Matthieson the Forger—Trials that established the Illegality of Slavery—The Lover Highwayman—The Accusing Spirit—The Attorney-General of the Reign of Terror—Eccentric Occurrences in the Law—Adventuresses of Pretended Rank—The Courier of Lyons—General Sarrazin’s Bigamy—The Elstree Murder—Count Bocarmé and his wife—Professor Webster, &c.
“The favour with which the first series of this publication was received, has induced Mr. Burke to extend his researches, which he has done with great judgment. The incidents forming the subject of the second series are as extraordinary in every respect, as those which obtained so high a meed of celebrity for the first.”—_Messenger._
=THE MAN OF THE PEOPLE.= BY WILLIAM HOWITT. 3 vols. post 8vo. (_Just Ready_).
=SONGS OF THE CAVALIERS AND ROUNDHEADS, JACOBITE BALLADS, &c.= By G. W. THORNBURY. 1 vol. with numerous Illustrations by H. S. MARKS. Elegantly bound. 6s.
“Mr. Thornbury has produced a volume of songs and ballads worthy to rank with Macaulay’s or Aytoun’s Lays.”—_Chronicle._ “Those who love picture, life, and costume in song will here find what they love.”—_Athenæum._
=POEMS.= BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN,” “A WOMAN’S THOUGHTS ABOUT WOMEN,” &c. 1 vol. with Illustrations by BIRKET FOSTER. 10s. 6d. bound.
“A volume of poems which will assuredly take its place with those of Goldsmith, Gray, and Cowper, on the favourite shelf of every Englishman’s library. We discover in these poems till the firmness, vigour, and delicacy of touch which characterise the author’s prose works, and in addition, an ineffable tenderness and grace, such as we find in few poetical compositions besides those of Tennyson.”—_Illustrated News of the World._
“We are well pleased with these poems by our popular novelist. They are the expression of genuine thoughts, feelings, and aspirations, and the expression is almost always graceful, musical and well-coloured. A high, pure tone of morality pervades each set of verses, and each strikes the reader as inspired by some real event, or condition of mind, and not by some idle fancy or fleeting sentiment.”—_Spectator._
=A LIFE FOR A LIFE.= BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX GENTLEMAN,” &c.
“In ‘A Life for a Life’ the author is fortunate in a good subject, and she has produced a work of strong effect. The reader, having read the book through for the story, will be apt (if he be of our persuasion) to return and read again many pages and passages with greater pleasure than on a first perusal. The whole book is replete with a graceful, tender delicacy; and, in addition to its other merits, it is written in good, careful English.”—_Athenæum._
“This book is signally the best its author has yet produced. The interest is intense, and is everywhere admirably sustained. Incident abounds, and both dialogue and style are natural and flowing. Great delicacy in the development of character, and a subtle power of self-analysis are conspicuous in ‘A Life for a Life,’ while the purity of its religious views, and the elevation—the grandeur, indeed—of its dominating sentiments, render its influences in every sense healthy and invigorating.”—_The Press._
“‘A Life for a Life’ is one of the best of the author’s works. We like it better than ‘John Halifax.’ It is a book we should like every member of every family in England to read.”—_Herald._
=REALITIES OF PARIS LIFE.= BY THE AUTHOR of “FLEMISH INTERIORS,” &c. 3 vols. with Illustrations. 31s. 6d.
“‘Realities of Paris Life’ is a good addition to Paris books, and important as affording true and sober pictures of the Paris poor.”—_Athenæum._
“There is much new matter pleasantly put together in these volumes. Their merit will commend itself to all readers.”—_Examiner._
=NOVELS AND NOVELISTS, FROM ELIZABETH TO VICTORIA.= By J. C. JEAFFRESON, ESQ. 2 vols. with Portraits. 21s.
=THE RIDES AND REVERIES OF MR. ÆSOP SMITH.= By MARTIN F. TUPPER, D.C.L., F.R.S., Author of “Proverbial Philosophy,” “Stephen Langton,” &c., 1 vol. post 8vo.
“This work will do good service to Mr. Tupper’s literary reputation. It combines with lucidity and acuteness of judgment, freshness of fancy and elegance of sentiment. In its cheerful and instructive pages sound moral principles are forcibly inculcated, and everyday truths acquire an air novelty, and are rendered peculiarly attractive by being expressed in that epigrammatic language which so largely contributed to the popularity of the author’s former work, entitled ‘Proverbial Philosophy.’”—_Morning Post._
=A MOTHER’S TRIAL.= BY THE AUTHOR OF “THE DISCIPLINE OF LIFE,” “THE TWO BROTHERS,” &c. 1 vol. with Illustrations, by BIRKET FOSTER. 7s. 6d. bound.
“‘A Mother’s Trial,’ by Lady Emily Ponsonby, is a work we can recommend. It breathes purity and refinement in every page.”—_Leader._
WORKS OF FICTION.
=SEVEN YEARS.= By JULIA KAVANAGH, Author of “NATHALIE,” 3 vols.
“Nothing can be better of its kind than Miss Kavanagh’s ‘Seven Years.’ The story never flags in interest, so lifelike are the characters that move in it, so natural the incidents, and so genuine the emotions they excite in persons who have taken fast bold on our sympathy.”—_Spectator._
=LUCY CROFTON.= By the Author of “MARGARET MAITLAND.” 1 vol.
“This is a charming novel. The characters are excellent; the plot is well defined and new; and the interest is kept up with an intensity which is seldom met with in these days. The author deserves our thanks for one of the most pleasant books of the season.”—_Herald._
=THE WOOD-RANGERS.= By CAPTAIN MAYNE REID. From the French of Louis de Bellemare. 3 vols., with illustrations.
=THE LITTLE BEAUTY.= By MRS. GREY, Author of “THE GAMBLER’S WIFE.” 3 v.
=MR. AND MRS. ASHETON.= By the Author of “MARGARET AND HER BRIDESMAIDS.” 3 vols.
=THE WAY OF THE WORLD.= By ALISON REED. 3 vols.
“There is a spell and fascination upon one from the first page to the last.”—_John Bull._
=ALMOST A HEROINE.= By the Author of “CHARLES AUCHESTER,” &c. 3 vols.
“This novel is the author’s best.”—_Herald._
=WAIT AND HOPE.= By JOHN EDMUND READE. 3 vols.
“‘Wait and Hope’ reminds us of the style of Godwin.”—_Athenæum._
=RAISED TO THE PEERAGE.= By MRS. OCTAVIUS OWEN. 3 vols.
“‘Raised to the Peerage’ possesses very many of the requisites of a really good novel.”—_Examiner._
=FEMALE INFLUENCE.= By LADY CHARLOTTE PEPYS, 2 vols.
=LETHELIER.= By E. HENKAGE DERING, Esq. 2 vols.
=THE QUEEN OF HEARTS.= By WILKIE COLLINS. 3 vols.
“‘The Queen of Hearts’ is such a fascinating creature that we cannot choose but follow her through the pages with something of a lover’s tenderness. As for the three old men, they are as good in their way as the Brothers Cheeryble of immortal memory.”—_Literary Gazette._
=STEPHAN LANGTON.= By MARTIN F. TUPPER, D.C.L. F.R.S. Author of “PROVERBIAL PHILOSOPHY,” &c., 2 vols. with fine engravings.
“These volumes are pre-eminently qualified to attract attention both from their peculiar style and their great ability. The author has long been celebrated for his attainments in literary creation, but the present work is incomparably superior to anything he has hitherto produced.”—_Sun._
=CREEDS.= By the Author of “THE MORALS OF MAY FAIR.” 3 vols.
“This is a novel of strong dramatic situation, powerful plot, alluring and continuous interest, admirably defined characters, and much excellent remark upon human motives and social positions.”—_Literary Gazette._
=THE LEES OF BLENDON HALL.= By the Author of “ALICE WENTWORTH.”
“A powerful and well-sustained story of strong interest.”—_Athenæum._
=NEWTON DOGVANE.= A Story of English Life. By FRANCIS FRANCIS. With Illustrations by LEECH. 3 vols.
“A capital sporting novel.”—_Chronicle._
=HELEN LINDSAY=; Or, THE TRIAL OF FAITH. By A CLERGYMAN’S DAUGHTER. 2 vols.
=WOODLEIGH.= By the Author of “WILDFLOWER,” “ONE AND TWENTY,” &c. 3 vols.
=BENTLEY PRIORY.= By MRS. HASTINGS PARKER. 3 vols.
“An acquisition to novel-readers from its brilliant descriptions, sparkling style, and interesting story.”—_Sun._
NOW IN COURSE OF PUBLICATION.
HURST AND BLACKETT’S STANDARD LIBRARY OF CHEAP EDITIONS OF POPULAR MODERN WORKS.
Each in a single volume, elegantly printed, bound, and illustrated, price 5s. A volume to appear every two months. The following are now ready.
VOL. I.—=SAM SLICK’S NATURE AND HUMAN NATURE.=
ILLUSTRATED BY LEECH.
“The first volume of Messrs. Hurst and Blackett’s Standard Library of Cheap Editions of Popular Modern Works forms a very good beginning to what will doubtless be a very successful undertaking. ‘Nature and Human Nature’ is one of the best of Sam Slick’s witty and humorous productions, and well entitled to the large circulation which it cannot fail to obtain in its present convenient and cheap shape. The volume combines with the great recommendations of a clear, bold type, and good paper, the lesser, but still attractive merits, of being well illustrated and elegantly bound.”—_Morning Post._
“This new and cheap edition of Sam Slick’s popular work will be an acquisition to all lovers of wit and humour. Mr. Justice Haliburton’s writings are so well known to the English public that no commendation is needed. The volume is very handsomely bound and illustrated, and the paper and type are excellent. It is in every way suited for a library edition, and as the names of Messrs. Hurst and Blackett, warrant the character of the works to be produced in their Standard Library, we have no doubt the project will be eminently successful.”—_Sun._
VOL. II.—=JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.=
“This is a very good and a very interesting work. It is designed to trace the career from boyhood to age of a perfect man—a Christian gentleman, and it abounds in incident both well and highly wrought. Throughout it is conceived in a high spirit, and written with great ability, better than any former work, we think, of its deservedly successful author. This cheap and handsome new edition is worthy to pass freely from hand to hand, as a gift book in many households.”—_Examiner._
“The new and cheaper edition of this interesting work will doubtless meet with great success. John Halifax, the hero of this most beautiful story, is no ordinary hero, and this, his history, is no ordinary book. It is a full-length portrait of a true gentleman, one of nature’s own nobility. It is also the history of a home and a thoroughly English one. The work abounds in incident, and many of the scenes are full of graphic power and true pathos. It is a book that few will read without becoming wiser and better.”—_Scotsman._
VOL. III.—=THE CRESCENT AND THE CROSS.=
BY ELIOT WARBURTON.
“Independent of its value as an original narrative, and its useful and interesting information, this work is remarkable for the colouring power and play of fancy with which its descriptions are enlivened. Among its greatest and most lasting charms is its reverent and serious spirit.”—_Quarterly Review._
“A book calculated to prove more practically useful was never penned than ‘The Crescent and the Cross’—a work which surpasses all others in its homage for the sublime and its love for the beautiful in those famous regions consecrated to everlasting immortality in the annals of the prophets, and which no other writer has ever depicted with a pencil at once so reverent and so picturesque.”—_Sun._
VOL. IV.—=NATHALIE. BY JULIA KAVANAGH.=
“‘Nathalie’ is Miss Kavanagh’s best imaginative effort. Its manner is gracious and attractive. Its matter is good. A sentiment, a tenderness, are commanded by her which are as individual as they are elegant. We should not soon come to an end were we to specify all the delicate touches and attractive pictures which place ‘Nathalie’ high among books of its class.”—_Athenæum._
“A tale of untiring interest, full of deep touches of human nature. We have no hesitation in predicting for this delightful tale a lasting popularity, and a place in the foremost ranks of that most instructive kind of fiction—the moral novel.”—_John Bull._
“A more judicious selection than ‘Nathalie’ could not have been made for Messrs. Hurst and Blackett’s Standard Library. The series as it advances realises our first impression, that it will be one of lasting celebrity.”—_Literary Gazette._
VOL. V.—=A WOMAN’S THOUGHTS ABOUT WOMEN.=
BY THE AUTHOR OF “JOHN HALIFAX, GENTLEMAN.”
“A book of sound counsel. It is one of the most sensible works of its kind, well-written, true-hearted, and altogether practical. Whoever wishes to give advice to a young lady may thank the author for means of doing so.”—_Examiner._
“The author of ‘John Halifax’ will retain and extend her hold upon the reading and reasonable public by the merits of her present work, which bears the stamp of good sense and genial feeling.”—_Guardian._
“These thoughts are good and humane. They are thoughts we would wish women to think.”—_Athenæum._
“This really valuable volume ought to be in every young woman’s hand. It will teach her how to think and how to act. We are glad to see it in this Standard Library.”—_Literary Gazette._
VOL. VI.—=ADAM GRAEME, OF MOSSGRAY.=
BY THE AUTHOR OF “MRS. MARGARET MAITLAND.”
“‘Adam Graeme’ is a story awakening genuine emotions of interest and delight by its admirable pictures of Scottish life and scenery. The plot is cleverly complicated, and there is great vitality in the dialogue, and remarkable brilliancy in the descriptive passages, as who that has read ‘Margaret Maitland’ would not be prepared to expect? But the story has a ‘mightier magnet still,’ in the healthy tone which pervades it, in its feminine delicacy of thought and diction, and in the truly womanly tenderness of its sentiments. The eloquent author sets before us the essential attributes of Christian virtue, their deep and silent workings in the heart, and their beautiful manifestations in the life, with a delicacy, a power, and a truth which can hardly be surpassed.”—_Morning Post._
“‘Adam Graeme’ is full of eloquent writing and description. It is an uncommon work, not only in the power of the style, in the interest of the narrative, and in the delineation of character, but in the lessons it teaches.”—_Sun._
VOL. VII.—=SAM SLICK’S WISE SAWS AND MODERN INSTANCES.=
“The best of all Judge Haliburton’s admirable works. It is one of the pleasantest books we ever read, and we earnestly recommend it.”—_Standard._
“The humour of Sam Slick is inexhaustible. He is ever and everywhere a welcome visitor; smiles greet his approach, and wit and wisdom hang upon his tongue. The present production is remarkable alike for its racy humour, its sound philosophy, the felicity of its illustrations, and the delicacy of its satire. We promise our readers a great treat from the perusal of these ‘Wise Saws and Modern Instances,’ which contain a world of practical wisdom, and a treasury of the richest fun.”—_Post._
VOL. VIII.—=CARDINAL WISEMAN’S RECOLLECTIONS OF THE LAST FOUR POPES.=
“There is no dynasty of European sovereigns about which we English entertain so much vague curiosity, or have so little information, as about the successors to the Popedom. Cardinal Wiseman is just the author to meet this curiosity. His book is the lively record of what he has himself seen, and what none but himself, perhaps, has had so good an opportunity of thoroughly estimating. There is a gossipping, all-telling style about the book which is certain to make it popular with English readers.”—_John Bull._
“A picturesque book on Rome and its ecclesiastical sovereigns, by an eloquent Roman Catholic. Cardinal Wiseman has here treated a special subject with so much generality and geniality, that his recollections will excite no ill-feeling in those who are most conscientiously opposed to every idea of human infallibility represented in Papal domination.”—_Athenæum._
“In the description of the scenes, the ceremonies, the ecclesiastical society, the manners and habits of Sacerdotal Rome, this work is unrivalled. It is full of anecdotes. We could fill columns with amusing extracts.”—_Chronicle._