The country here, having recovered from the effects of the drought, was bright with young green woodland, and mountains of the same refreshing hue.

But the absence of the crowds, which had attended us as we carried up the boat, when the women followed us for miles with fine meal, vegetables, and fat fowls for sale, and the boys were ever ready for a little job--and the oppressive stillness bore heavily on our spirits.

The Portuguese of Tette had very effectually removed our labourers.

Not an ounce of fresh provisions could be obtained, except what could be shot, and even the food for our native crew had to be brought one hundred and fifty miles from the Zambesi.
The diet of salt provisions and preserved meats without vegetables, with the depression of spirits caused by seeing how effectually a few wretched convicts, aided by the connivance of officials, of whom better might have been hoped, could counteract our best efforts, and turn intended good to certain evil, brought on attacks of dysentery, which went the round of the Expedition--and, Dr.Kirk and Charles Livingstone having suffered most severely, it was deemed advisable that they should go home.

This measure was necessary, though much to the regret of all--for having done so much, they were naturally anxious to be present, when, by the establishing ourselves on the Lake, all our efforts should be crowned with success.