ad, as yet, been able to penetrate. The petty and corrupting
traffic on the coasts will speedily expand into wide extended and
improving commerce. The slave trade is gradually diminishing, and must,
ere long, disappear under the blessed influences, more active than ever,
which are now at work; the whole church is moved by the edifying
narratives of zealous missionaries; and the countenance of the Apostolic
See is willingly bestowed on missionary effort. So, it is not too much to
say that, with such auspicious commencements in the age of Pius IX., the
days of some future Pontiff, at no very distant epoch, will be blessed to
behold Africa, so long neglected, happily, at length, brought within the
pale of Christianity and civilization.

The missionaries speak of a Prince, whose history, if related by less
trustworthy parties, could not fail to be considered fabulous. His
territory is situated on the river Gabon. He speaks English and French
fluently, as well as an African dialect called _Boulou_. He is a man of
gentle and polished manners, and possesses the self-control of the most
accomplished European. In point of sobriety, he is equal to the best of
Europeans. He never drinks intoxicating liquor, and forbids his children
to use it. He is beloved by his subjects, and respected by the neighboring
tribes, who hold with him commercial and friendly relations. He shows
great friendship to the missionaries, and takes great delight in assisting
them. A good bishop is also mentioned, whose horror of the slave trade was
such that he would not allow a negro to serve him. In addition to the
mission-house, which is a solid stone building, there is also a seminary,
where some of the native youth are educated for the duties of the
Christian priesthood. The aboriginal populations receive the bishop and
the heads of the missions with extraordinary honors. The salubrity of the
climate is favorably spoken of, being nowise inferior to that of France.
Everything appeared to favor the Guinea missions in the early years of the
Pontificate of Pius IX. With the aid of continued countenance and
encouragement, they cease not to be developed every day more and more
throughout the vast countries extending from Senegambia to the Equator. At
Joal and St. Mary of Gambia, there were flourishing missions so early as
1852. In 1850 M. L'Abbe Arlabosse founded a mission at Galam, 150 leagues
in the interior of Senegal. Another mission was successfully establ