Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 4.djvu/459

 porters. Consequently traders no longer ventured to send caravans by this dangerous route, which was even completely abandoned during the years 1882 and 1883. "Everywhere ruins of houses and mosques tell the tale of decayed grandeur, of the loss of former spirit, energy, and enterprise. Mud huts are replacing the well-built dwellings of the Mazrui. The Arabs are leaving the town as rats leave a

sinking ship, and a general want of life characterizes this ancient and interesting city."

The town of Mombaz stands on the east side of a coralline island, which has been upheaved more than 40 feet above the level of the surrounding waters. A few stone houses belonging to some Arab and Hindu traders, together with some groups of native cabins overshadowed by cocoanut groves, constitute the present town. Large vessels ride at anchor in the channel skirting the east side of the island, and forming an excellent harbour perfectly sheltered from all winds, but