a seems too far to the westward. The entrance to the Luabo
River is about two miles broad, and is easily distinguishable, when
abreast of it, by a bluff (if I may so term it) of high, straight trees,
very close together, on the western side of the entrance. The bar may
be said to be formed by two series of sand-banks; that running from the
eastern point runs diagonally across (opposite?) the entrance and nearly
across it. Its western extremity is about two miles outside the west
point.

"The bank running out from the west point projects to the southward
three miles and a half, passing not one quarter of a mile from the
eastern or cross bank. This narrow passage is the BAR PASSAGE. It
breaks completely across at low water, except under very extraordinary
circumstances. At this time--low water--a great portion of the banks are
uncovered; in some places they are seven or eight feet above water.

"On these banks there is a break at all times, but in fine weather, at
high water, a boat may cross near the east point. There is very little
water, and, in places, a nasty race and bubble, so that caution is
requisite. The best directions for going in over the regular bar
passage, according to my experience, are as follows: Steer down well to
the eastward of the bar passage, so as to avoid the outer part of the
western shoals, on which there is usually a bad sea. When you get near
the CROSS-BAR, keep along it till the bluff of trees on the west side of
the entrance bears N.E.; you may then steer straight for it. This will
clear the end of the CROSS-BAR, and, directly you are within that,
the water is smooth. The worst sea is generally just without the bar
passage.

"Within the points the river widens at first and then contracts again.
About three miles from the Tree Bluff is an island; the passage up the
river is the right-hand side of it, and deep. The plan will best explain
it. The rise and fall of the tide at the entrance of the river being at
springs twenty feet, any vessel can get in at that time, but, with all
these conveniences for traffic, there is none here at present. The water
in the river is fresh down to the bar with the ebb tide, and in the
rainy season it is fresh at the surface quite outside. In the rainy
season, at the full and change of the moon, the Zambesi frequently
overflows its banks, making the country for an immense distance one
great lake, with only a few small eminences above the water. On the
banks o