COMMERCIAL POLICY. 123 enumerated the nutmeg of Uganda, the aromatic husks of the Xylopia, the spicy seeds of various Amomums, and the wonderfully light and yet firm wood of the Aschynomene Schimperi, which is here made into shields. ven the grasses are useful ; from the stalks of the Eragrostis the famous mats of Ruhanda are made, with their artistically blended colours, which excite the astonishment of the buyers in the markets of Kardgwa and Unyéro. Simpler, but just as beautiful, are the small mats of Uganda, without which no respectable man leaves his house, for it would be unseemly to sit on the bare ground. ‘The flexibility of the material allows of a mat about six feet long being made into a roll six inches in diameter without breaking the tissue; their strength and durability are also very great.

In the district between the lakes an active trade has been developed; it has been set on foot by external influences, and is promoted by the inhabitants’ love of commerce. Intercourse of the different tribes with one another, as well as with the Arab traders, is resulting in constant efforts to open up new trade routes and to create and satisfy fresh wants. The Kegyptian territories in the north, however, have remained in these respects very far behind. In spite of our occupation of the northern region, which has now lasted for many years, no progress has been effected, for the unfortunate system of wellguarded frontiers and a monopoly in trade, up till now looked upon as the only protection against kidnapping and slavedealing, has only prevented the natural development of our countries, and has done little enough to abolish the purchase and sale of slaves.

Whilst in the south civilisation is slowly advancing, and land after land is being opened up to trade, our fertile mountain districts he fallow, and with folded arms we watch the advance of commerce from south to north, when we ought to be up and doing, and striving continually to open up new routes for ourselves. Would it not, then, be better to break loose from the old Utopian system, to say farewell to philanthropic whims, and to adapt the administration of these fruitful lands to the development of their resources and to the supply of their needs. Should these few words give an impulse in that direction, their object will be more than realised.