On the eastern side of the Quango we passed on, without visiting our
friend of the conical head-dress, to the residence of some Ambakistas
who had crossed the river in order to secure the first chances of trade
in wax. I have before remarked on the knowledge of reading and writing
that these Ambakistas possess; they are famed for their love of all
sorts of learning within their reach, a knowledge of the history of
Portugal, Portuguese law, etc., etc. They are remarkably keen in trade,
and are sometimes called the Jews of Angola. They are employed as clerks
and writers, their feminine delicacy of constitution enabling them to
write a fine lady's hand, a kind of writing much esteemed among the
Portuguese. They are not physically equal to the European Portuguese,
but possess considerable ability; and it is said that half-castes,
in the course of a few generations, return to the black color of the
maternal ancestor. The black population of Angola has become much
deteriorated. They are not so strongly formed as the independent tribes.
A large quantity of aguardiente, an inferior kind of spirit, is imported
into the country, which is most injurious in its effects. We saw many
parties carrying casks of this baneful liquor to the independent chiefs
beyond; and were informed that it is difficult for any trader to convey
it far, carriers being in the habit of helping themselves by means of a
straw, and then injecting an equal amount of water when near the point
of delivery. To prevent this, it is common to see large demijohns
with padlocks on the corks. These are frequently stolen. In fact, the
carriers are much addicted to both lying and thieving, as might be
expected from the lowest class of a people on whom the debasing slave
system has acted for two centuries.

The Bashinje, in whose country we now are, seem to possess more of the
low negro character and physiognomy than either the Balonda or Basongo;
their color is generally dirty black, foreheads low and compressed,
noses flat and much expanded laterally, though this is partly owing to
the alae spreading over the cheeks, by the custom of inserting bits of
sticks or reeds in the septum; their teeth are deformed by being filed
to points; their lips are large. They make a nearer approach to a
general negro appearance than any tribes I met; but I did not notice
this on my way down. They cultivate pretty largely, and rely upon their
agricultural products for their supplies of