Their records, if we choose to investigate them, show a knowledge of the continent which extends back as far as the year 1591; a knowledge, too, which shows that they thoroughly understood and knew all the geographical features of the continent. Well, the Portuguese holding this strong frontier line, I do not think they will step out of the way to allow the commerce of South Africa to go across their line into the interior. A further difficulty in the way of utilising the route mentioned by Dr. Holub is the most unhealthy and malarious character of the Barotse Valley, which is flooded for half the year. I have always held, and still think, that it is better to say out what one thinks of the prospect of large commercial enterprise in Central Africa. I believe the time is far off when any large amount of new traffic will find its way from the East coast, or by any other route to the interior. I do not think the gentleman who spoke last need fear the Suez Canel being blocked by Manchester goods finding their way into the Canal for Central Africa. I have listened with interest to what has been said as to the progress of the Cape Colony; though I have not been there for some years, I have a sincere interest in the Colony, and I have listened with great pleasure and interest to all that has passed; and particularly do I join in the hope that, along with the gradual expansion and development of traffic, and the gradual growth and consolidation of the Colonial power, there will be the improvement in every way of those tribes of whom Dr. Holub has spoken.
The Noble Chairman: I have now to propose a vote of thanks to Dr. Holub for his interesting lecture.
We all were astonished lately at the energy displayed by a great public man in travelling in very cold weather and making a succession of brilliant orations. We admired his physical powers and his enormous energy; but I think we have here an instance almost as great, for Dr. Holub has come all the way from Prague on purpose to deliver this address. He has left the exhibition of articles which he has brought from Central Africa, and which he is exhibiting there, at which his presence is much desired by the trains-full of people who come to visit it. He has come, at Mr. Young’s request, to address us and give us this most interesting information, and returns to-morrow night to Prague. (Hear , hear.) I think we may admire his energy as much as we have admired Mr. Gladstone’s, and , for my part, I thank him more for it. (Laughter.) Dr. Holub apologised, notwithstanding the able, distinct, and well-arranged speech we have heard, for not talking good English. But I think we should find it difficult to comply with his request for forgiveness, because
