The first-class passengers include self, Barttelot, Stairs, Jephson, Nelson, Parke, Bonny, Count Pfeil, and two German companions bound for Rufiji River. _February 19th._--Arrived off Lamu at 3 P.M. Soon after S.S. _Baghdad_ came in with Dr. Lenz, the Austrian traveller, who had started to proceed to Emin Bey, but failing, came across to Zanzibar instead. He is on his way home. Having failed in his purpose, he will blame Africa and abuse the Congo especially. It is natural with all classes to shift the blame on others, and I feel assured Lenz will be no exception. _February 20th._--Arrived at Mombasa. Was told that a great battle had been fought lately between the Gallas and Somalis. The former are for the Germans, the latter are declared enemies to them. We also hear that Portugal has declared war against Zanzibar, or something like it. Best place for commercial depot is on right hand of northern entrance, first point within harbour; it is bluffy, dips sheer down into deep water, with timber floated along base of bluff, and long-armed derricks on edge of bluff, steamers might be unloaded and loaded with ease. Cocoa-nut palms abundant. Good view of sea from it. If Mombasa becomes an English port--as I hope it will shortly--the best position of new town would be along face of bluff fronting seaward on island just where old Portuguese port is; a light railway and some draught mules would land on train all goods from harbour. _February 22nd._--Arrived at Zanzibar. Acting Consul-General Holmwood warmly proffered hospitality. Instructed officers to proceed on board our transport, B.I.S.N. Co. _Madura_, and to take charge of Somalis and Soudanese, and Mackenzie to disembark forty donkeys and saddles from _Madura_--route being changed there was no need for so many animals. Received compliments from the Sultan of Zanzibar; visits from the famous Tippu-Tib, Jaffar, son of Tarya Topan, his agent, and Kanji the Vakeel of Tarya. Zanzibar is somewhat changed during my eight years' absence. There is a telegraphic cable, a tall clock-tower, a new Sultan's palace, very lofty and conspicuous, with wide verandahs. The Custom House has been enlarged. General Lloyd Mathews has new barracks for his Military Police; the promenade to Fiddler's grave has been expanded into a broad carriage-way, which extends to Sultan's house beyond Mbwenni. There are horses and carriages, and steam-rollers, and lamp-posts, at convenient distances, serve to bear oil-lamps to light the road when His Highness returns to city from a country jaunt. There are six German war-vessels in port, under Admiral Knorr, H.B.M.S. _Turquoise_ and _Reindeer_, ten merchant steamers, and a few score of Arab dhows, Baggalas, Kanjehs, and boats.