The Portuguese bad numerous settlements on this coast in the 16th and 17th centuries. Before their arrival the Arabs had not settled there, except in small numbers and as merchants. But after the Portuguese haul been obliged to abandon the country the Arabs appeared as conquerors, and there are a considerable number of them at present in the large towns. Several Banyans from Hindustan are settled at Mombas RS merchants.
The towns of MAOADOXO, MELINDA, MOMDAS, and Qt7ILOA are noticed under separate heads. Patta is built on an island, which lies between the bays of Kwyhoo and Patta, and is divided from the mainland by a narrow sandy creek, through which boats only can pass. A good deal of commerce is carried on here. The Portuguese had a castle here, the ruins of which still remain. Lamoo is at present the most considerable town on the east coast of Africa, next to Mozam bique, and has a population of more than 5000. It is built on the southern shore of the Bay of Lamoo, at the foot of a sandy ridge of hills which constitute the southern boundary of the harbour, which is formed by a small river andeonse creeks. The houses are of an oblong form, and are made of reeds and stakes plastered with mud ; the roof is supported by rafters, which project far beyond the walls. Their
mosques are built with a flat roof, supported by low clumsy arches. The houses are crammed together as close as space will allow, so as to leave only narrow alleys between them. Lindy (near 10° S. lat.) is situated at the bottom of a deep bay formed between reefs, which iit some parts extend two or three miles from the land. The river Lindy fells into this bay, and on its northern banks the town is situated. It is built on low ground, and consists of a great number of straggling huts interspersed with groves of cocoa-nut and other trees. It formerly carried on a considerable trade in slaves.
The exports of Zanguebar to Arabia are lice, sugar, molasses, dried and salted fish, ivory, gums, and shields. The chief imports are dates, arms, and some Indian manufactures. The commerce with Hindustan is limited to the harbour of Mombas, from which the Banyans, who are Fettled there, send ivory, gold, cowries, and a few minor articles to Bombay, whence they receive Indian and English manufactures. Many vessels are employed in the coasting-trade, carrying chiefly dhol (small peas), rice, and salted and dried fish from one place to another.