338 Seven Years in the Soudan.

attempts would fail. The chiefs are against it, and the country is disturbed by the intrigues of the Arabs, Avho have established themselves there in great numbers. Mtesa is suffering from an incurable malady, and it is believed that "when he dies the new ruler will be much more hostile to Europeans.

" During late years Mtesa has been able to introduce many fire-arms, and now possesses four thousand guns and much ammunition. When the English missionaries ])resented themselves he was rather astonished that they had brought no arms, but that the presents sent by the Church Mission consisted of stuffs, cottons, fancy articles, &c. The avidity of these people to possess arms and ammunition is such that they offer any quantity of slaves for a gun.

For a box of caps two slaves are sometimes given.

"In the chronicle of the J'Jsiilnnitore, fascicle VII., I read of the death of Buchta the photographer. On the contrary, he enjoys perfect health, and is at Dem Suleiman. He will soon return to Europe. It is unnecessary to sa} that he has fully succeeded in his intention. His numerous collection of types, landscapes, &c., will be of great interest to anthropological students, all the more because he has made some notes on craniology. I have seen some of his work, and am persuaded that it will be greatly prized by all who are interested in Africa.

" I had ])repared my account of the ending of the war with Suleiman, but all my correspondence was forgotten at Jur Gattas. I will send it as soon as possible. It seems that the river is again blocked, so that I have reeived no letters or papers since May.

" The war against the rebels and slave traders being ended, I have occupied myself in the internal administration, remedvino- the horrors and atrocities committed by Suleiman's troops. "War, even in civilized countries, leaves sad traces of its work ; you