Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 4.djvu/349

 BLANTTBR 277 native chiefs have also been replaced by Europeans in the administratioa of tribal affairs. Notwitlistunding its distance from Nyassa, IMuntyre, or rather the ncighlxmring village of Maitdalu, has become the central station of the " African Loike Society," a commercial association which was founded in 1878 for the purpose of aiding the missionaries, while at the same time trading on its own account. This society carries on a considerable traffic in produce of all kinds us far as the Upper Congo basin, and already possesses twelve factories between Quilemane and I^ke Tangan- yika. It is satisfactory to know that by the terms of its charter it is forbidden to supply the natives with alcoholic drinks. Through Blantyro passes the missions route, a portage 70 miles long, which skirts the east side of the Murchison Falls, on the Shire, between the Matopo bend and that of Katongo, where the steamers stop. Other carriage-roads, lined with plantations of eucalyptus, connect Blantyre with the chief villages of the surrounding district, as well as with some of the stations grouped round about the central mission. Although situated on the debatable frontier of the two hostile Anyassa and Ajawa (Yao) tribes, and although the whole region was formerly often laid waste by the Maviti marauders, Blantyre has never yet been attacked by any of the neighbouring tribes. This circumstance is all the more remarkable that the pni- tected territory for several miles round about is to a great extent peopled by run- away slaves escaping from the Arab traders. Thus, like the free cities of mediitval Europe, Blantyre owes its prosperity to the hospitable protection it has given to the refugees and outlaws from every quarter. One of the most salubrious stations in the district is the village of Zomba, which stands 400 feet higher than Blantyre, and some 30 miles farther north, on the slope of a hill commanding an extensive view in one direction of the river Shire, in the other of the sparkling waters of Lake Shirwa. Here some Scotch planters have founded a considerable settlement, devoted to the cultivation of sugar, coffee, and oleaginous seeds. The hundred thousand coffee shrubs possessoil by this establishment have all sprung from a single plant reared in the Edinburgh Botanical Garden. Some cinchonas have also been planted on the surrounding slopes. East of Blantyre rises the lofty Mount Choro, the abode of a powerful spirit venerated far and wide. On all occasions of public danger or disaster he is con- sulted in the name of the people by his bride, chosen from amongst the most beautiful young women of the district. Administration of the Lower Zamhese. In the region of the Zambese delta the populations are of a very mixed character. Here also the primitive usages of the natives have In^en considerably modified by continuous contact with Europeans during the last three centuries. Along the banks of the river the Portuguese hold military and trading stations, round which is centred the political and social life of the riverain population. Till recently Lusita-