Nine Years at the Gold Coast

Preface

The considerations which induced me to yield to the wishes of personal friends to attempt a description of mission work at the Gold Coast were : — First, a desire to furnish the supporters of our Missionary Society with such information as might not merely be of interest, but which would, to a certain extent, give the results of missionary en terprise in a small but important part of the foreign field. Hitherto our friends have been under the necessity of deriving their information from travellers whose literary talents have been out of all proportion to their opportunities for studying the subject of missions. Secondly, I have entertained the hope that it might be possible to give such information as would be useful to young men in training for work abroad. I have endeavoured to show that each of the colleagues with whom I have had the pleasure and privilege of being associated has contributed towards the growth of the Gold Coast Mission. It is hoped that future missionaries will thus learn that there

PREFACE.

VIII is ample scope for the exercise of a great variety of gifts on the foreign field. And then, as experience has taught me that there is a growing interest in this old British possession, I have ventured to touch upon topics other than those of a purely missionary character. In the presence of the literary critic I exceedingly fear and quake, and tremblingly plead " guilty," and urge " extenuating circumstances " to every conceivable and inconceivable charge that may be brought against me from a purely literary point of view. I am well aware that much more might have been written, even by so incompetent a pen as my own, but to have attempted a larger work would have required more time from my present ministerial duties than I feel warranted in taking. The reader will doubtless observe that I have had little occasion to make use of materials furnished by previous writers on West Africa ; in mentioning the early connection of the Portuguese with the Gold Coast I have, however, placed myself under an obligation to Mr. C. P. Lucas' "Historical Geography of West Africa " (Clarendon Press), and in referring to the trade relations of the Colony I have made use of Mr. Hesketh Bell's address to the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce.

I sincerely regret the fact that it was only after finally leaving Africa that I mustered sufficient courage to record my experience. Fortunately my Gold Coast letters to my mother have been preserved ; these, naturally, have been

PREFACE.

IX indispensable to me. Articles and photographs by myself which have appeared in our missionary magazine, Work and Workers, have been placed at my disposal by the Editor. My old colleagues, the Reverends S. C. Hall and J. S. Ellenberger, have also furnished me with information, for which I am most grateful. I hesitate to associate the name of the Reverend W. T. A. Barber, M.A., B.D., with the reading of the proof sheets. If I take the liberty I must explain that my friend's considerate regard for the susceptibilities of an inexperienced author has considerably restrained him, or he might have " cor rected " my work beyond all hope of recognition. Eliama, St. Ursula Grove, SOUTHSEA, March yd, 1898. CONTENTS

Chapter I

Offer of services for the Gold Coast Mission — Particulars as to outfit, &c. — Notes of introduction to friends in Africa . .Pages I — 7

Chapter II

Furnishes brief information respecting the various tribes of the Gold Coast — Our early relations with them, and the value of their country commercially — Concluding with remarks respecting the Fetish religion Pages 8 — 26

Chapter III

Contains a revelation to the Author, the study of which proves that the Missionary's preconceived ideas respecting his vocation did not harmonise with his actual experience — Suggestions are also respectfully offered to the aspiring West African resident in reference to the preservation of health, and the reader is introduced to an invaluable colleague Pages 27 — 47

Chapter IV

Deals with the difficulties in introducing Christian ideas respecting marriage. — Reflections concerning the character of the native, and references to our school at Cape Coast Pages 48 — 67

Chapter V

Gives an account of a journey into the " Bush," with glimpses of forest scenery, and an introduction to the rural members of the Church Pages 68—85 CONTENTS XII

Chapter VI

Relates circumstances which will summon an immense concourse of people — a funeral, a fire, or a festival — And has a reference to Elmina Castle and its connection with the Ashanti War of 1873 — And concludes with remarks respecting personal associates Pages 86—98

Chapter VII

The arrival of the Roman Catholic Missionaries at Cape Coast — Theological differences do not affect personal friendships — The Reverend T. J. Price and his difficulties with the vernacular — His Excellency Sir W. Brandford Griffith, K.C.M.G.— Happy relations with Anglican Clergy Pages 99— ill

Chapter VIII

Records a memorable journey through Aburah and Assin— And furnishes illustrations of the Fetish priestcraft . . Pages 112 — 133

Chapter IX

The first serious break in the European Staff — A journey to the gold mines — Extracts from Reports — Peacemaking between converts — Advantages of African workers among Africans — The arrival of the Reverend A. W. Hall — Industrial training — Commercial interests in West Africa not essentially selfish . . . Pages 134 — 151

Chapter X

The Missionary is joined by his wife — The urgent need of lady workers in Africa — Suggestions respecting the sanitation of the Colony — A journey to the Aburi sanatorium, and an account of the Croboe heathen customs Pages 152 — 168

Chapter XI

The Drink Traffic — Our attitude as a Church towards the question — Suggestions to the Government — Reckless travelling — His Excellency the Governor and the Colonial Secretary testify to the value of Mission work — Proposal to establish Girls' Boarding School at Aburi — Practical support of the Home Government Pages 169 — CONTENTS XIII

Chapter XII

The steamship " Calabar " — Advance in shipping accommodation —Difficulties in negotiating land questions with the unsophisticated African — A plague of locusts — "Liberty, Fraternity Equality " — The Gold Coast Board of Education — Difficulties in building — The transport question — Kru boys to the rescue Pages 192 — 209

Chapter XIII

Improved locomotion in our journeying — The arrival of Miss A. I. Jackman, and her lamented death — Miss Mary H. Kingsley — Missionary methods and Missionary converts and their critics — The devotion of Basle Missionaries — An illustration of the power of the Gospel Pages 210— 229

Chapter XIV

The British occupation of Ashanti— A respectful tribute to the British Army and Navy as agents that make for justice and mercy — An account of a journey to Kumasi Pages 230 — 264

Chapter XV

The last voyage to the Coast, in company with kindred spirits — A brief summary of Mission work, and references to three " Missionary-made men " Pages 265—276 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Toface page Map of the Gold Coast Colony Frontispiece View of Cape Coast 6 Market Place, Cape Coast 16 A Native Goldsmith 16 Types of Native Beauty 16 Emerging from the Forest (photo, by Rev. D. Hinchcliff ) ... 20 Cape Coast Castle and West Indian Soldiers 28 The Tender Care of Fanti Boatmen 28 Interior of Wesley Church, Cape Coast (photo, by Rev. D. Hinchcliff) 32 A Neat Head-dress 50 Preparing a Meal 50 Native Goldsmiths' Work 56 Ga Chiefs Gold Breast Ornaments 56 Gold Coast Matrons and Children 61 Types of Native Dress 80 The late Sir W. Brandford Griffith, K.C.M.G 108 Fetishes 124 Fetishes 128 Essaman Gold Mines (photo, by Rev. J. T. F. Halligey) . . . 136 Tree Bridge, River Whin (photo, by Rev. J. T. F. Halligey . . 136 Elmina Castle 150 Young Carpenters' Work (Industrial Education) 150 Beach at Axim, with Mahogany Logs 160 Palaver at Akropong, Houssa Soldiers "At Ease" LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS XV To face page A Faithful Friend in the Hour of Sickness (photo, by Rev. J. T. F. Halligey) 186 Miss Ellenberger.

Aburi Girls' School (photo, by Rev. D. Hinchcliff) 204 Specimens of School Girls' Dress 204 Grand Bassa Labourers 210 A Halt in the Forest 210 Natives of Akwapim (photo, by Rev. D. Hinchcliff ) 222 Hotel Accommodation (photo, by Rev. D. Hinchcliff) .... 226 Akim Executioner, and Stool Carrier 232 Preparing to Start 236 A Fanti Bush Village 236 Hillside Scenery (photo, by Rev. D. Hinchcliff) 242 An Emancipated Slave (photo, by Rev. D. Hinchcliff) .... 242 Ashanti Gold Weights 248 A Gold Coast Chief and Visitors 248 King Prempeh and Suite at Elmina Castle 257 Curiosities from the Gold Coast

Introduction

TO FRIENDS IN AFRICA It was in the early part of 1887 that my attention was seriously drawn to the Gold Coast. I use the word serious advisedly : for, with the prospect of missionary life before me, I was naturally interested in all missionary work ; and when it was reported that three men, i.e., half of our force at the Gambia and the Gold Coast, had died within six months, I naturally became very serious, and promptly decided that West Africa was the part of the world all prudent men should avoid. A few months later, however, when volunteers from Handsworth College were invited to fill one of the vacancies, a resistless fascination seized me, which I have never been able to shake off; and, with the consent of my friends, my services were offered and accepted, subject to a B satisfactory report as to physical fitness from the medical officer, Dr., now Sir, C. Gage Brown.

There always was, and I suppose always will be, a certain amount of sentiment about the volunteers for missionary work in West Africa. There was sentiment in my offer — though that sentiment has long since faded away, and it is now regarded as a very real sacrifice not to be able to continue in that interesting part of the world. And yet, in common with other missionaries, I never for one moment entertained the idea of leaving my bones in Africa : I went simply hoping and expecting to be of use. And now I have to record my devout thankfulness to Almighty God for the health and strength that have enabled me to take part in that work. May I repeat a sentence or two from my early notes ? "The essential qualifications of the volunteer for mission work in West Africa are (i) a deep abiding conviction that one has chosen the path of duty ; (2) a good physical constitution ; (3) the exercise of the greatest possible prudence, the absence of fear, and implicit confidence in God."

My first care after securing the necessary medical certificate was to prepare my outfit. As this may be of interest to the reader, I may as well give a general idea of the same, omitting any reference to the needless and expensive items with which I burdened myself, mentioning only that which is likely to be of service to any one contemplating a term of eighteen months' residence at the Gold I THE MISSIONARY OUTFIT 3 Coast. In making up the outfit list the ordinary light summer clothing may well form the basis of calculation. Thicker clothing will only be of ser vice during the cold voyage to Grand Canary, and through the Trade winds — so treacherous on the return voyage. Eighteen months of a West African humid atmosphere, together with well-known, though scarcely approved, methods of the native laundry man, will be quite equal to three years of wear and tear in England.

Flannel or merino should always be worn next the skin. A good helmet and white cotton umbrella are, of course, indispensable — lighter hats may be worn late in the afternoon. Inclination has often led one to wear the loosest and lightest clothing. But it must be borne in mind that the " tailor makes the man " in the coast towns of Africa, as well as in England. In preparing for the rainy season it may be worth while to say that as much rain falls in a day at the Gold Coast as falls in Manchester in a rather wet month. And what more need one say ? — except that care must be taken that the waterproof cloak is stitched, or it may, as mine has done, fall to pieces. Due care must be given to the requisites of bed-covering. Blankets are necessary, particularly in the wet season, and in case of fever.

Pyjamas are invariably worn ; and the flannel belt, which I have found of great service in warding off dysentery. Sponges, bath-towels, etc., will suggest themselves. Ironware for the kitchen, hardware, plate and cutlery for personal use must B be furnished. In ordering these bear in mind that visitors drop in occasionally. In our free and easy life we have sometimes borrowed from the traveller : but it may chance that although your servant has been unusually skilful in breaking your ware, your visitor will not have the necessary articles on his person, so that it is well to be provided with at least a change. Do not forget the table linen : a neatly arranged table helps to tempt the appetite, which is often fastidious. In travelling take enamelled ironware : not that it is pleasanter to use, but your cook sometimes " forgets " to see that the table requisites are safely packed ; and your carrier, after resting on the travelling-case, is greatly surprised to find a general smash, and you feel — well, you may fill in the rest as your fancy dictates.

Whatever else is overlooked take care to provide yourself with a good filter. " Maignens " are the most serviceable I have had in use. It is well to be supplied with provisions from England. The number of houses engaged in this particular trade is legion. Crosse and Blackwell are always most obliging in executing orders. The local stores do not keep the greatest variety, and for other reasons it has been found an advantage to import direct. Chlorodyne, anti-febrin, and quinine should be kept in every home. Antibilious com pounds are worth, in my judgment, two " guineas a box." Books are needed in Africa as much as in Eng- TO PRINCE'S LANDING STAGE I 5 land. But they suffer from the damp air — covers come to grief in a very short time. Cockroaches and white ants " inwardly digest," even though they do not "read, mark, and learn," the contents.

A few inexpensive knick-knacks help to make a great contrast to the bare walls of some quarters one has visited. And now, having sent the heavy luggage to the agents, Messrs. Elder, Dempster & Co. at Liver pool, three days previously, labelled "wanted" or " not wanted on the voyage," as the case may be, it is possible to take the light luggage as late as the midnight train on any Friday from Euston, and, after breakfast in the neighbourhood of Lime Street, to find our way to the Prince's landing-stage in comfortable time for the tender which is to leave at io o'clock to take us to one of the "African " or the " British and African " companies' vessels. We must not raise our expectations too high. Our vessel is neither an Atlantic liner, a P. and O., nor a Cape boat. But the line is being made increas ingly comfortable ; and, with the very genial captains, it is possible to have an exceedingly pleasant voyage, as far as the companies are concerned.

I must emphasise the last sentence, for my first voyage was not pleasant. We had weather I " And what could have been expected with three parsons aboard ? " exclaimed the men " forrud." No ; I think I must defer a description of a voyage until a more favour able opportunity presents itself. For several days I sympathised with our Irish surgeon, who assured me that he was "sorrah that he had a stomach at ahl." And then our companions were not of the most select. One, a lady of the theatrical profession, who left us at Grand Canary, has lately been com pelled to release her husband from his matrimonial vow. Another, a gentleman, has since died, leaving two wives and families in England to mourn his loss. And a third, a few years ago, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for embezzlement.

I find on referring to notes of that time that my worthy chief, the Reverend J. T. F. Halligey, was on the voyage most thoughtful and kind. And my friend, Bryan Roe, who was returning to Lagos, was just the cheerful companion that many in this country would expect him to be. One incident must be mentioned : on the 16th of December a concert was given by artistes, who, according to the programme, " had come a long distance." The entertainment was greatly appreciated by a company of about thirty, who contributed very handsomely to seamen's institutions. I was not able to leave a message, as desired, with friends at Gibraltar, for the very reason that I was not able to take notes of introduction to the Cape. A voyage from Cape Coast to the Cape of Good Hope is a thousand miles further than is the voyage from England to the Cape !

I found that the worthy missionary secretary, who imagined that a missionary who preached at Bathurst in the morning might [To face page 6. Cape Coast. WEST AFRICAN GEOGRAPHY I 7 preach at Free Town, Sierra Leone, in the evening, was not aware that the two places were five hundred miles apart. We have had occasion to inform a most successful English schoolmaster that Bathurst was not merely one, but nearly one thousand five hundred miles from Cape Coast. My experience of West Africa has made me exceedingly cautious in asking questions concerning the geography of any part of the world. I may add that my new home, I found, was ic io' west longitude, and 5°6'latitude north of the Equator.

Chapter II Furnishes Brief Information Respecting The Various Tribes Of The Gold

COAST ; OUR EARLY RELATIONS WITH THEM, AND THE VALUE OF THEIR COUNTRY COMMERCIALLY— CON- CLUDING WITH REMARKS RESPECTING THE FETISH RELIGION As we have agreed to defer for a time the de scription of a voyage, it may be convenient to intro duce a few paragraphs respecting the various tribes of the Gold Coast and Hinterland, referring the reader for detailed particulars to the list of authors who have dealt with the subject at great length. I must honestly confess that when I first embarked for Africa I knew as little of the history of the Fantis as of the mythical personage who is said to reside in the lunar regions. Constant and prominent references to Ashantis and Fantis naturally lead to the conclusion that these two tribes alone represent this part of West Africa. A reference to our map will at once indicate the erroneousness of this supposition.

I am indebted to notes by my native colleague, the Reverend J. B. Anaman, F.R.G.S., for the par ticulars here furnished respecting his fellow-country men. Most of the tribes inhabiting the Gold Coast CHAP. II ORIGINAL HOME OF THE FANTIS 9 originally lived in Central Africa, from which dis tricts they were driven towards the coast by Moslem propagandists who invaded their territory in order to win them to that faith. Some of the emigrants, notably the Ashantis,1 and their near kinsmen, the Fantis, settled in the regions of the Kong mountains, in the district then called by the Arabs Wangara. The city built by the Fantis was Takyi man, from which in time, being hard pressed by the Ashantis, they withdrew southward, till gradually they overspread the whole region now known as Fanti-land. The great language of the emigrants was Akan, which is spoken by the peoples inhabiting the Gold Coast and Ashanti, thus marking the common origin of the tribes.

The most important dialect of the Akan language is Fanti, which is generally under stood throughout the Gold Coast, but is chiefly spoken by the Fantis, Elminas, and Chamas. The Accras and Adanme-speaking tribes are believed to have been closely related, as well as the Ahantas, Apollonians, Sehwis, and Aowins. These tribes were comprehended in seven great families, in which the members still class themselves and recognise each other, without regard to national distinctions, viz. — i. Nsonna, Dwimina, etc. 1 It is suggested that the prevalence of a severe famine led to the adoption of the names Asuan-tsi-fu, gatherers of asuan (a poisonous weed), and Fan-tsi-fu, gatherers of fan (a cabbage). CHAP. 2. Annona, Yoko, Aguna, Eguana, etc. 3. Twidan, Eburotuw, etc. 4. Kwonna, Ebiradzi, Odumna, Dinyina, etc. 5.

Aburadzi, Eduana, Ofurna, Egyirina, etc. 6. Intwa, Abadzi, etc, 7. Adwinadzi, Aowin, etc. There are several branches of each family, known by different names in different localities. Confusion has arisen through the erroneous division by some writers of these branches into twelve families. This division is inexplicable to the natives, who have a tradition that mankind comprises seven great families or nations. The effects of contact with the civilised world upon the natives have certainly been varied. It is believed that before they were driven from their old home they traded in articles of European manufacture through the Greeks of Alexandria. The linen of Egypt and the scarlet cloths of Carthage, together with the famous aggrey 1 beads, reached them through the Berbers. The linen is supposed to have been used by them, as at this day, for the purpose of indicating sanctity or festivity.

Large umbrellas made of scarlet cloth were considered by them great embellishments of a state. Aggrey beads were worn as ornaments ; and the wealth of an in dividual was estimated by the abundance of these, 1 The aggrey beads are now exceedingly rare. They are supposed to have been made by the Phœnicians. Their commercial value is reckoned at double their weight in gold. EARLY VISITS OF FRENCH TRAVELLERS II 11 or the gold which he possessed. In very ancient times, gold, silver, ivory, apes and peacocks were the products of Central Africa. Some of these articles most probably formed part of the merchan dise conveyed into the regions beyond the great Desert during these years. In studying the early history of the peoples with whom we are dealing there is not the aid that is furnished in the history of other nations, by ancient inscriptions, architectural monuments, or sepulchral remains.

Until quite recently no attempt was made to reduce their language to writing ; and materials used in the erection of build ings were of such a nature that they have long since amalgamated with the earth, as, indeed, is the case with towns which were quite famous twenty-five years ago. No real help is afforded by the early enterprise of navigating nations, for the difficulties and currents of the West African coast proved a greater barrier to progress than does the treacherous climate of to-day. Very reluctantly, therefore, we must confess that we have no definite information of any extensive trade with the coast until towards the close of the fifteenth century. French writers, indeed, have claimed for their fellow-countrymen the honour of discovering, or rather of re-discovering, the Gold Coast in 1364, and it is supposed that a fort was built by the travellers at Elmina in 1382.

But the trade relations if any must have been unsatisfactory, for they withdrew altogether a few years before the Portuguese, encouraged and stimulated by the ex ample of their brave and noble-minded Prince Henry the Navigator, first landed at Elmina in 1465. On "August 12th, 1553, there sailed from Portsmouth two goodly ships, the Primrose, and the Lyon, with a pinnace called the Moon, and seven score lusty men, under two expert pilots and politick Captains ; to one whereof the King of Portugal had committed the custody of Guinney against the French ; happy was that man that could go with them. . . . " They brought from thence at this Voyage, four hundred pound weight and odd of Gold, of two and twenty carrats, and one grain in fineness ; also six and thirty Buts of grains, and about two-hundred and fifty Elephant's Teeth of all quantities. . . .Some of them were as big as a man's thigh above the knee, and weighed about fourscore and ten pound weight a peece. . . .

These great Teeth, or tusks, grow in the upper jaw downward, and not in the nether jaw upward, wherein the Painters and Arras-workers are deceived." The voyage truly was remarkable. " Part of such Flesh as they carried with them out of England, which putrified there, became sweet again at their return to the clime of temperate Regions." And stranger still : " Here is a Tree called the Oyster- Tree, that bears oysters three times in the year ; but I beleeve it hath been since Noah's flood VICES OF EARLY EUROPEAN VISITORS II 13 when the fish forgot their way into the sea again." 1 At various times the French, Portuguese, Dutch, Danes and Germans have settled for long or short periods at the Gold Coast. Indeed, until half a century since, the Dutch and the Danes as well as the English had forts at Accra, the present seat of Government.

The last to retire from the Gold Coast and leave the English in sole possession were the Dutch, who transferred Elmina Castle to our Government in 1873. I have said that difficulties of navigation have proved a barrier to progress in West Africa. A moment's reflection will suggest the possibility of a retrograde movement for the natives, during the three centuries that their land was open to the Christian nations of Europe. It must be borne in mind that, partly as a result of the slave traffic, in which this country took a prominent part, the natives of the Gold Coast were brought into constant communication with the very outcasts of European society. Buccaneers, pirates, outlaws and despe radoes of every description found their way to the Coast as they did to the West Indies and the Spanish main.

Very naturally they took with them the most horrible vices that a human mind could conceive. And even in the early part of the present century English soldiers who had committed grave offences were offered the chance of existing in 1 The Golden Coast, or a Description of Guinney. London, 1665. West Africa, as the alternative to the gallows. What an awful influence must such as these have exerted upon the natives, who were already deeply degraded ! And what of the Gold Coast Government during the period mentioned ? If we may accept the testimony of one who was an officer of the Govern ment from 1834 to 1852, and who had access to the archives of the Castle, the members of those early councils were absolutely without feeling. To all outward appearance the native existed only in order to satisfy the greed of England's representatives.

Until the abolition of slavery in 1807 not one single lasting benefit was conferred upon the people, and but few isolated advantages on individuals ; while the magnitude of the curse inflicted upon the un happy natives is simply beyond all words. We have seen that the early visitors to the Coast were attracted by the wealth of the country ; it may be worth while to devote a little space to the study of the present commercial value of the Colony to Great Britain. The Colony possesses a seaboard of nearly 400 miles. There are nineteen ports of entry ; the most important are Accra, the seat of Government, and Cape Coast. Dealing first with imports we find that the principal articles of trade are cotton, woollen and silk goods, spirits, hardware, coopers' stores, rice, flour, provisions, tobacco, building materials, and wearing apparel.

The total value in PRESENT DAY COMMERCIAL RELATIONS II 15 1895 amounted to .£931,537. The United Kingdom contributed 67^- per cent., British Colonies 10, and foreign countries 2 2|* per cent. America and the Continent are responsible, as far as the native consumption is concerned, for the whole of the spirit traffic. Concerning the latter may I repeat, and emphasise, what I wrote four years ago ? " The town of Cape Coast has a population of 15,000. I have no hesitation in saying that, on an average, not two instances arising out of drunkenness are tried by the District Commissioner in twelve months." I shall have occasion later on to refer to this liquor traffic. The quality of the goods imported is generally of the commonest description. British manu facturers tell us that the very worst rubbish possible for machinery to " throw together " is very often made expressly for the West African market.

The leading merchants keep superior goods, and en courage their sale ; but, unfortunately, the demand is usually for the lowest priced article. In Cape Coast it is possible to obtain " an apology," at any rate, for almost everything that is made. Native tailors, good, bad, and indifferent, abound. There is also a very creditable attempt at boot-making. Natives have as much regard for English pro visions as for English dress. When we bear in mind the fact that to the original cost of provisions is added twenty-five per cent, for shipping expenses and custom-house charges, to say nothing of the CHAP. necessarily heavy expenses incurred in retailing, it is amazing that so much is consumed. Aerated waters which are retailed in England at a shilling or eighteenpence a dozen, realise sixpence each at Cape Coast !

At weddings they are disposed of by the score ! An enormous quantity of gunpowder is annually imported into the Colony, but, like the spirits, it spreads over a wide area. It is said that kings and chiefs can muster 100,000 warriors who possess Birmingham " gas-pipe flint-locks," which are much more dangerous to the owner than to the foe. Very little ammunition is used in actual warfare ; but great quantities are consumed at funerals, wed dings, palavers, and fetish ceremonies. On any day in the week Mohammedans in their white gowns, with their wares, may be seen in the market-place seated on their mats or engaged with visitors from the Bush. From nine to eleven o'clock on every morning in the week a great crowd, composed chiefly of women and girls, con tributes to a perfect Babel of noise.