Note 285 — Chapter X

In the “African Times,” an ignoble sheet, which, I should hardly say “by permission,” constitutes itself the organ of the African Aid Society of London, there has appeared for many an issue an advertisement headed “Aguapem Mountain Road,” and sending round the hat in the usual style. This is no bad way to coax the British gold out of the British breeches-pocket. But beyond that nothing. Such a road, once made, would be buried in vegetation after a few months, unless kept clear at a great expense. Secondly, like that of Kana, it would be cut up into paths: the negro has no shoes, consequently he must tread, despite all our endeavours, on a place softened by those who precede him.