MOZAMBIQUE, a kingdom of Africa, lying south of Quiluba, and taking its name from the chief town, which is situated on an island, at the mouth of a river of the same name, in 15 deg. S. Lat. The island is 30 miles in circumference, and very populous, though the air is said to be very hot, and the soil in general dry, sandy, and barren; yet they have most of the tropical fruits, with black cattle, hogs, and sheep. There is a kind of fowl here, both the feathers and flesh of which are black, inasmuch that, when they are boiled, the broth looks like ink; and yet their flesh is very delicate and good food. The town of Mozambique is regularly fortified, and has a good harbour, defended by a citadel, with several churches and monasteries. The Portuguese shipping to and from India touch here for refreshments. As the island abounds in cattle, the Portuguese slaughter and salt up a great deal of beef, which they afterwards send to the Brazils, or sell to the European shipping. They also also barter European goods with the natives for gold, elephants teeth, and slaves. There is another town called Mongala, situated also on an island, and garnished by the Portuguese, being their chief magazine for European goods. The gold they receive from the natives is found near the surface of the earth, or in the sands of rivers; no gold mines, or at least very few, being at present wrought in Africa.