3-053-603 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Coaling station, Fernando Po, 1873. 'There is always a small quantity of coal kept at this island for the use of her Majesty's cruisers [ie warships of the British Royal Navy]. The sheds are situated some little distance from the town. Coaling on the West Coast of Africa would be terrible work were it not for the Kroomen, whose great strength and comparative immunity from the dangers of the climate render them invaluable. In her Majesty's squadron on the West Coast, Kroomen are allowed in the proportion of about fifteen to one hundred white men. This beautiful and luxuriant little island is by no means free from African fever, except, perhaps, in the high region of the interior, where there is a mission. It is said that a padre, after living in perfect health at the mission for a number of years, went down into the town on business or pleasure, and in a few days died of fever. From Fernando Po on a clear day may be seen the high land in the neighbourhood of the Cameroons river, so called by the Spaniards on account of the quantity of prawns (camerones) to be found there. In this high land it is proposed to establish a trading settlement, and perhaps a sanitary station'. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.