(1.) Its surface is varied by mountains, plains, forest and rivers, while its coast is indented with bays and harbors of grand proportions. Skirting the coast there is an alluvial region extending for fifty miles to a mountain forest range eighty miles in width; then follows an open plateau which extends to the Niger and beyond. The soil of this plateau is described as a rich prairie land, of such productiveness and beauty that it is regarded by missionaries who have seen it as the garden spot of the world. (2.) The climate of the country is admitted on all hands to be hostile to efforts for the advancement of its people, while the coast has been fitly styled “the burial-ground of white men.” A deadly malaria, poisonous both to man and domestic animals, checks the progress of industries and the work of Christianity. It is believed, however, that this malaria is more especially confined to the low mangrove swamps of the coast, and that after the forest belt is passed the open plateau will afford healthy localities. The sanitary condition of a country can be determined in a measure by its domestic animals. The pestilential vapors of a malarious region are said to be absorbed to a greater extent by quadrupeds, living constantly in the open air, than by mankind, living a portion of the time in-doors. The ancient Greeks observed this fact, and incorporated it in verse centuries ago: “On mules and dogs the infection first began, And last, the vengeful arrow fixed in man.” Now the open plateau we have mentioned may be called the “cattle-belt of the Mendi country and its neighborhood.” Here unnumbered herds of horses, cows and other domestic animals abound, making it somewhat evident that the climate may be found favorable for the development of an advanced civilization. (3.) The products of this country are such as are common to the tropics, and are very abundant. Coffee grows spontaneously. India-rubber enough for generations could be easily obtained. Vast areas of timber lands, characterized by trees thirty feet in diameter, with spreading branches sufficient for the shelter of a regiment, abound in the forest belt. Here are found great varieties of dye-woods, and other woods that admit of a beautiful finish. Lumber is in great demand, and the saw-mill belonging to this Association is taxed to its utmost, and quite unable to furnish a supply sufficient for the market near at hand. The export of palm-oil from this locality is very great, and at present is doubtless the leading article of merchandise.