Travels, in the interior districts of Africa: performed under the direction and patronage of the African association, in the years 1795, 1796, and 1797.

Front matter

<>r M l : Mr vt;oPaimv .

from lA.vai.ua A'^t Z^/iv^^Gambja ft» Silla. vtttke 11 1 ivrJoLiba pr2$i*$p With hivvetxxim bv the StmtheMt R<nit<

Compiled /Wm M*B*i& j ()l>>vet*ratwn**.

Preface

THE following journal, drawn up from original minutes aad notices made at the proper moment, and preserved with great difficulty, is now offered to the public by the direction of my noble and honorable employers, the Members of the African Association. I regret that it is so little commensurate to the patronage I have received. As a composition, it has nothing to recommend it, but truth. It is a plain, unvarnished tale, without pretensions of any kind, except that it claims to enlarge, in some degree, the circle of African geography. For this purpose, my services were offered, and accepted by the Association ; and, I trust, I have not labored altogether in vain. The work, how r ever must speak for itself; and I should not have thought any preliminary observations necessary, if I did not consider myself called upon, both by justice and gratitude, to offer those which follow.

Immediately after my return from Africa, the acting Committee of the Association,* taking notice of the time it would require to prepare an account in detail, as it now appears ; and being desirous of gratifying, as speedily as possibly, the curiosity which many of the members were pleased to express concerning my discoveries, determined that

epitome, or abridgment, of my travels, should be forthwith prepared from such materials and oral communica-

* This committee consists of the following noblemen and gentlemen ; Earl of Moira ; Lord Bishop of LandafF ; Right Hon. Sir Joseph Banks, President of the Royal Society : Andrew Stewart, Esq. F. R. S. and Bryan Edwards, Esq. F. R. S. Concerning the original institution of the Society itself, and the progress of discovery, previous to my expedition, the fullest information already has been given m the various publications which the Society haye caused to bcmader

A 2 vi > PREFACE.

tions as I could furnish, and printed for the use of the Association ; and also, that an engraved map of my route should accompany it. A memoir, thus supplied and improved, ■was accordingly drawn up in two parts, by members of the Association, and distributed among the Society ; the first part consisting of a narrative, in abstract, of my travels, by Bryan Edwards, Esq F. R. S.; the second, of Geographical Illustrations of my progress, by Major James Rennell, E. R. S. Major Rennell was pleased also to add, not only a map, of my route, constructed in conformity to my own observation and sketches (when freed from those errors, which the Major's superior knowledge and distinguished accuracy in geographical researches, enabled him to discover and correct) but also a general map,* shewing the progress of discovery and improvement in the geography of North Africa; together with a chart of the lines of mag* netfc variation, in the seas around that immense continent.

Availing myself therefore, on the present occasion, of assistance like this, it is impossible that I can present myself before the public, without expressing, how deeply and gratefully sensible I am of the honor and advantage which I derived from the labors of those Gentlemen ; for Mr. Edwards has kindly permitted me to incorporate, as occasion offered, the whole of his narrative into different parts of my work, and Major Rennell, with equal good will, allows me, not only to embellish and elucidate my Travels, with the maps before mentioned, but also to subjoin his Geographical Illustrations entire.

Thus aided and encouraged, I should deliver this volume to the world, with that confidence of a favorable reception, •which no merits of my own could authorize me to claim; •were I not apprehensive that expectations have been formed, by some of my subscribers, of discoveries to be unfolded, which I have not made, and of wonders to be related, of which I am utterly ignorant. There is danger that those who feel a disappointment of this nature, finding less to astonish and amuse in my book, than they had promised to themselves beforehand, will not even allow me the little merit which I really possess. Painful as this circumstance may prove to. my feelings, I shall console myself under it, if

* This map with the chart of the lines of magnetic variation are omitted in this edition.

PREFACE.

the distinguished persons, under whose auspices I entered on my mission, shall allow, that I have executed the duties of it to their satisfaction, and that they consider the journal which I have now the honor to present to them, to be, what I have endeavored to make it, an honest and faithful report of my proceedings and observations in their service, from the outset of my journey to its termination.

M, P.

Chap. I

THE Author's motives for undertaking the voyage. His instructions and departure. Arrival at Jillifree on the Gambia. Proceeds to Vintain. Account of the Feloops. Proceeds to Jonkakonda. Arrival at Dr. Laidley's. Account of Pisania and the British factory at that place. The Author's employment during his stay at Pisania. His sickness and recovery. The description of the country, &c.

Chap. II

Description of the Feloops, the Jaloffs, the Foulahs, and the M an din goes . A ccount of the trade between Europe and XFrica by the way of the Gambia, and between the native inhabitants of the coast and the nations of the interior countries: Their mode of selling and buying, 8cc.

Chap. III

The Author leaves Pisania; his attendants. He reaches Jindey. Story related by a Mandingo negro. Proceeds to Medina, the capital of Woolli. Interview with the King. Saphies or charms. Proceeds to Kolor* Description of Mumbo Jumbo; arrives at Koojar; wrestling match. Crosses the wilderness, and arrives at Tallika, in the Kingdom of Bondou, Sec.

Chap. IV

Account of the inhabitants of Tallika. The Author proceeds for Fatteconda; incidents on the road. Crosses the Neriko ; arrives at Koorkarony ; reaches the Faleme ; fishery on that river ; proceeds along its banks to Naye, or Nayemow ; crosses the Faleme and arrives at Fatteconda. Interview with Almami, Sovereign of Bondou ; description of the King's dwellings second interview

10. CONTENTS.

with the King, who begs the Author's eoat. The thor visits the King's wives ; is permitted to depart on friendly terms. Journey by night. Arrives at Joag. Account of Bondou and its inhabitants the Foulahs, Sec. CHAP. V.

Account of Kajaaga. Serawoollies ; their manners and language. Account of Joag. The Author is ill treated and robbed of half of his effects by order of the King. Charity of a female slave. The Author is visited by Demba Sego, nephew of the King of Kasson, who offers to conduct him in safety to Kasson. The Author and Demba set out with a numerous retinue, and reach Samee on the banks of the Senegal ; proceeds to Kayee, and crossing the Senegal, arrive in the kingdom of Kasson. CHAP. VI.

Arrival of Teesee. Interview with Tiggity Sego the King's brother. Detention at Tessee : Account of that place and its inhabitants : Incidents which occurred there. Rapacious conduct of Tiggity Sego on the Author's departure. Proceeds for Kooniakary, the capital of the kingdom; incidents on the road and arrival there, Etc. CHAP. VII.

The Author is admitted to an audience of the King of Kasson, whom he finds well disposed towards him. Incidents during the author's stay at Kooniakary. Departs thence for Kemmoo, the capital of Kaarta. Is received with great kindness by the King of Kaarta, who dissuades him from prosecuting his journey, on account of approaching hostilities with the King of Bambarra. The Author determines to proceed ; and takes the path to Ludamur, a Moorish kingdom ; is accommodated by the King with a guide to Jarra, the frontier town of the Moorish territories, and proceeds for that place, accompanied by three of the King's sons and two hundred horsemen.

CHAP. VIII.

Journey from Kemmoo to Funinghedy. Some account of the Lotus. A youth murdered by the Moors ; interesting scene at his death. Author passes through Simbing. Some particulars respecting Major Houghton. Reaches Jarra. Situation of the surrounding States, and an acW count of the war between Kaarta and Bambara, &c.

CONTENTS.

CHAP. IX.

Account of Jarra and the Moorish inhabitants. The Author obtains permission from Ali, the Moorish Chief or Sovereign of Ludamur, to pass through his territories. Leaves Jarra and arrives at Deeda: is ill treated by the Moors; proceeds to Sampaka: finds a negro who makes / gunpowder. Continues his journey to Samee, where he is seized by some Moors, who are sent for that purpose by Ali, and he is conveyed a prisoner to the Moorish camp at Benowm, on the borders of the Great Desert. CHAP. X.

Various occurrences during the Author's confinement at Benowrrf ; he is visited by some Moorish ladies. A funeral and a wedding; he receives an extraordinary present from the bride. Incidents illustrative of the Moorish, character and manners.

CHAP. XI.

Occurrences at the camp continued. Information collected by the Author concerning Houssa and Tombuctoo ; and the situation of the latter. Route from Morocco to Benowm. Author's distress from hunger. Ali removes his camp. The Author carried prisoner to the new encampment, and is presented to Fatima the Queen. Great distress from the want of water.

CHAP. XII.

Further miscellaneous reflections on the Moorish manners and character. Observations on the Great Desert; its animals, wild and domestic, &c. &c.

CHAP. XIII.

Ali departs for Jarra ; the Author is allowed to follow him thither. The Author's faithful servant, Demba, is seized by Ali's order, and sent back into slavery. Ali returns to his camp, and permits the Author to remain at Jarra, who meditates his escape. Daisy, King of Kaarta, approaching with his army towards Jarra; the inhabitants quit the town, and the Author with them. A party of Moors overtake him at Queira ; he gets away from them ; is again pursued by another party, and is robbed, but finally effects his escape.

CHAP. XIV.

The Author feels great joy at his deliverance, and proceeds

CONTENTS.

through the wilderness, but finds his situation very deplorable ; suffers greatly from thirst ; faints on the sands ; recovers, and makes efforts to push forward ; is relieved by rain, and arrives at a Eoulah village, where he is refused relief by the Dooty, but obtains food from a poor woman. Proceeds through the wilderness, and lights on another Foulah village, where he is hospitably received by the shepherds. Arrives at a negro town called Wawra, &c. CHAP. XV.

The Author proceeds to Wassiboo ; is joined by fugitive Kaartans. Discovers the Niger. Account of Sego, the capital of Bambarra. Mansong, the King, refuses to see the Author, but sends him a present. Great hospitality of a negro woman, &c.

CHAP. XVI.

Departs from Sego and arrives at Kabba. Description of the Shea, or vegetable butter tree. Arrives at Sansanding. Behaviour of the Moors at that place. Pursues his journey east. Incidents on the road. Arrives at Modiboo, and proceeds for Kea, but is obliged to leave his horse by the way. Embarks at Kea in a fisherman's canoe for Moorzan ; is conveyed from thence across the Niger to Silla. Account of the Niger and the towns in its vicinage, Sec

CHAP. XVII.

The Author returns westward, arrives at Modiboo, and recovers his horse. He is informed that the King of Bambarra had sent persons to apprehend him ; avoids Sego, and proceeds along the banks of the Niger. Incidents on the road. Cruelties attendant on African wars. Crosses the river Frina, and arrives at Taffara, &c.

CHAP. XVIII.

Inhospitable reception at Taffara. A negro funeral at Sookp, Continues the route along the banks of the Niger through several villages, till he comes to Koolikorro. Supports himself by writing Safihies. Reaches Mariboo; loses the road ; and after many difficulties arrives at Bammakoo. Meets with great kindness at Kooma ; but is afterwards stripped and robbed by banditti. Resource and consolation under exquisite distress.

CONTENTS.

T3

CHAP. XIX.

Government of Manding. Reception of 'the Mansa, or v chief man of Sibidooloo, who takes measures for the recovery of his horse, Sec. Removes to Wanda; great scarcity and its afflicting consequences. Recovers his horse and clothes. Proceeds to Kamalia. Account of Kamalia. Kind reception by Karfa Taure, who proposes to go to the^Gambia with a caravan of slaves,

CHAP. XX.

Of the climate and seasons. Winds. Vegetable productions. Population. General observations on the character and disposition of the Mandingoes ; and a summary account of their manners, habits of life, their marriages, Sec. Sec.

CHAP. XXI.

Account of the Mandingoes continued. Their notions concerning the planetary bodies and figure of the earthu Religious opinions. Diseases and methods of treatmentment. Funeral ceremonies. Amusements, Sec. CHAP. XXII.

Observations on the state and sources of slavery in Africa. CHAP. XXIII.

Of gold dust, and the manner in which it is collected. Process of washing it. Its value in Africa. Of ivory. Modes of hunting the elephant. Reflections on the unimproved state of the country, Sec.

CHx\P. XXIV.

Transactions at Kamalia resumed. Arabic MSS. in use^ among the Mahomedan negroes. Reflections concerning the conversation and education of the negro children. Return of the Authors benefactor, Karfa. Further account of the purchase and treatment of slaves. Fast of Rhamadan how observed. Author's anxiety for the day

c of departure. The caravan sets out. Account of it, and i proceedings on the road. Arrival at Kinytakooroo. CHAP. XXV.

The Coffle crosses the Jallonka wilderness. Miserable fate of one of the female slaves. Arrives at Sooseta ; proceeds to Manna. Account of the Jalonkas. Crosses the Senegal. Bridge of a singular construction. Ar-

B

CONTENTS.

rives at Melacotta. Remarkable conduct of the King of the Jaloffs, &c.

CHAP. XXVI.

The Caravan proceeds to the Konkodoo and crosses the Faleme River. Arrival at several places. Incidents on the way. A matrimonial case. The Caravan proceeds through many towns and villages, and arrives on the 4)anks of the Gambia ; passes through Medina, the capital of Woolli, and finally stops at Jindey. The author proceeds to Pisania. Various occurrences previous to liis departure from Africa. His passage in an American ship. Short account of his voyage to Great Britain, A>y the way of the West-Indies, &c.

CONTENT^.

.15

Appendix

CHAK I.

Concerning the ideas entertained by the ancient Geographers as well as moderns, down to the time of Delisle and D'Anville, respecting the course of the river Niger, CHAP. II.

Geographical discoveries of Mr. Park.

CHAP. III.

Construction of the Geography of Mr. Park's expedition into Africa.

CHAP. IV.

The construction of the Geography continued* CHAP. V.

Construction of the new map of North Africa. New arrangements of the course of the Nile. Its distant fountain yet unexplored by Europeans. A central position in Africa determined. Esdrisi's line of distance consistent. Errors of Leo.

Chap. VI

The subject continued. Course of the river Niger at large { has no communication with the Nile. Ptolemy's des~ cription of it consistent.

Chap. VII

Observations on the physical and political Geography of " North Africa ; naturally divisible into three parts; productive in gold. Boundary of the Moors and negroes. The Foulahs the Lenceathiopes of the ancients,

The following African Words, recurring very frequent* ly in the course of the narrative y it is thought necessary to prefix an explanation of them for the reader's conven* ience.

Mansa. A king or chief governor.

Alkaid. The head magistrate of a town or province, whose office is commonly hereditary.

Booty. Another name for the chief magistrate of a town or province : This word is used only in the interior countries.

Palaver. A court of justice; a public meeting of any 1 kind.

Bushreen. A mussulman.

Kafir. A pagan native ; an unbeliever.

Smak-ee. Another term for an unconverted native ; it sig*

nines one who drinks strong liquors, and is used by way

of reproach.

Slatees. Free black merchants, who trade chiefly in slaves,

Coffle or Caffila. A caravan of slaves, or a company of people travelling with any kind of merchandize.

Bar. Nominal money ; a single bar is equal in value to two shillings sterling, or thereabouts.

JSIinkalli. A quantity of gold, nearly equal in value to ten • shillings.

Xowries. Small shells, which pass for money in the interior.

Korree. A watering-place, where shepherds keep their cattle.

Bentang. A sort of stage, erected in every town, answer*

ingthe purpose of a town hall.

Baioon. A room in which strangers are commonly lodged* Soofroo. A skin for containing water.

Safihie. An amulet or charm.

Kouskous. A dish prepared from boiled corn. Shea-toulou. Vegetable butter.

Calabash. A species of gourd, of which the negroes make

bowls and dishes.

Piddle. A sort of a hoe used in husbandry.

TRAVELS

IN THE

INTERIOR OF AFRICA.

Chapter I

The Author's Motives for undertaking the Voyage — Ms In* struct ions and Departure — arrives at Jillifree^ on the Gambia River — proceeds to Vintain. — Some Account of the Feloops.— Proceeds up the River for Jonkakonda— arrives at Dr. Laidley's. — Some Account of Pisania r and the British Factory established at that Place. — The Author's Employment during his stay at Pisania — his Sickness and Recovery — the Country described — prepares to set out for the Interior,

SOON after my return from the East Indies in 1793, having learnt that the Noblemen and Gentlemen, associated for the purpose of prosecuting Discoveries in the Interior of Africa, were desirous of engaging a person to explore that Continent, by the way of the Gambia River, I took occasion, through means of the President of the Royal Society, to whom I had the honour to be known, of offering myself for that service. I had been informed, that a gentleman of the name of Houghton, a Captain in the army, and formerly Fort-Major at Goree, had already sailed to the Gambia, under the direction of the Association, and that there was reason to apprehend he had fallen a sacrifice to the climate, or perished m some contest with the natives; but this intelligence, instead of deterring me from my purpose, animated me to persist in the offer of my services - with the greater solicitude. I had a passionate desire to examine into the productions ef a country so little known 5 . and to become experimentally acquainted with the modes of life, and character of the natives. I knew that I was able to bear fatigue ; and I relied on my youth, and the strength of my constitution, to preserve rne from the effects

a 2 of the climate. The salary which the Committee allowed was sufficiently large, and I made no stipulation for future reward. If I should perish in my journey, I was willing that my hopes and expectations should perish with me ; and if I should succeed in rendering the geography of Africa more familiar to my countrymen, and in opening to their ambition and industry new sources of wealth, and new channels of commerce, I knew that I was in the hands of men of honour, who would not fail to bestow that remuneration which my successful services should appear to them to merit. The Committee of the Association, having made such enquiries as they thought necessary, declared themselves satisfied with the qualifications that I possessed, and accepted me for the service ; and with that liberality which on all occasions distinguishes their conduct, gave me every encouragement which it was in their power to grant, or wfiich I could with propriety ask.

It was at first proposed that I should accompany Mr. James Willis, who was then recently appointed Consul at Senegambia, and whose countenance in that capacity it was thought might have served and protected me ; but Government afterwards rescinded his appointment, and I lost that advantage. The kindness of the Committee, however supplied ail that was necessary. Being favoured by the Secretary of the Association, the late Henry Beaufoy, Esq. with a recommendation to Dr. John Laidley, (a gentleman who had resided many years at an English factory on the Banks of the Gambia,) and furnished with a letter of credit on him for 200/. I took my passage in the brig Endeavour, a small vessel trading to the Gambia for bees wax and Ivory, commanded by Captain Richard Wyatt, and I became impatient for my departure.

My instructions were very plain and concise. I was directed, on my arrival in Africa, " to pass onto the river Niger, either by the way of Bambouk, or by such other route as should be found most convenient. That I should ascertain the course, and if possible, the rise and termination of that river. That: I should use my utmost exertions to visit the principal towns or cities in its neighbourhood, particularly Tombuctoo and Houssa ; and that I should be afterwards at liberty to return to Europe, either by the way of QambiaJor by such other route, as under all the then ex^siinterior of africa.

ing circumstances of my situation and prospects, should appear to me to be most advisable."

We sailed from Portsmouth on the 22d day of May, 1795. On the 4th of June, we saw the mountains over Pvlogadore, on the coast of Africa ; and on the 21st of the same month, after a pleasant voyage of thirty days, we anchored at Jillifree, a town on the northern bank of the river Gambia, opposite to James's Island,, where the English had formerly a small fort.

The kingdom of Barra, in which the town of Jillifree is situated, produces great plenty of the necessaries of life ; but the chief trade of the inhabitants is in salt ; which commodity they carry up the river in canoes as high as Barraconda, and bring down In return Indian corn, cotton cloths, elephant's teeth, small quantities of gold dust, &c. The number of canoes and people constantly employed in this trade, makes the King of Barra more formidable to Europeans than other Chieftian on the river;- and this circumstance probably encouraged him to establish those exorbitant duties, which traders of all nations are obliged to pay at entry, amounting to nearly 20/. on every vessel, great and small. These duties, or customs, are generally collected in person by the Alkaid, or Governor of Jillifree, and he is attended on these occasions by a numerous train of dependants, among whom are found many, who, by their frequent intercourse with the English, have acquired a smattering of our language; but they are commonly very noisy, and very troublesome ; begging for every thing they fancy with such earnestness and importunity, that traders, in order to get quit of them, are frequently obliged to grant their requests.

On the 23d we departed from Jillifree, and proceeded to Vintain, a town situated about two miles up a creek on the southern side of the river. This place is much resorted toby Europeans, on account of the great quantities of bees w r ax which are brought hither for sale ; The wax is collected in the woods by the Feloops, a wild and unsociable race of people ; their country, which is of considerable extent, abounds in rice : and the natives supply the traders^ both on the Gambia and Cassamansa rivers with that article, and also with goats and poultry, on very reasonable terms. The honey which they collect is chiefly used by themselves in making a strong intoxicating liquor, much the same as the mead which is produced from honey ia Great-Britain.

In their traffic with Europeans, the Feloops generally employ a factor, or agent, of the Mandin go nation, who speaks a little English, and is acquainted with the trade of the river. This broker makes the bargain: and, with the connivance of the European, receive a certain part only of the payments which he gives to his employer as the whole; the remainder (which is very truly called the cheating money} he receives when the Feloop is gone, and appropriates to himself, as a reward for his trouble.

The language of the Feloops is appropriate and peculiar ; and as their trade is chiefly conducted, as hath been observed, by Mandingoes, the Europeans have no inducement to learn it. The numerals are as follows :

Fnory.

Sihakeer.

Footuck.

Footuck- Enory* Footuck- Cookaba.

Footuck-Sisajee.

Footuck- Sibakeer.

Sibankonyen.

On the 26th we left Vintain, and continued our course up the river, anchoring whenever the tide failed us, and frequently towing the vessel with the boat. The river is deep and muddy ; the banks are covered with impenetrable thickets of mangrove; and the whole ofthe adjacent country appears to be flat and swampy.

The Gambia abounds with fish, some species of which are excellent food; but none of. them that I recollect are known in Europe. At the entrance, from the sea, sharks are found in great abundance ; and, higher up, alligators and the hippopotamus (or river horse) are very numerous. The latter might with more propriety be called the riverelephant, being of an enormous and un wieldly bulk, and his teeth furnishes good ivory. This animal is amphibious, with short and thick legs, and cloven hoffs ; it feeds on grass, and such shrubs as the banks of the river afford, hougta-cf

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten —

INTERIOR OF AFRICA.

trees, kc. seldom venturing far from the water, in which it seeks refuge on hearing the approach of man. I have seen many, and always found them of a timid and inoffensive disposition.

In six days after leaving .V in tain, we reached Jonkakonda, a place of considerable trade, where our vessel was to take in part of her lading. The next morning, the several European traders came from their different factories to receive their letters, and learn the nature and amount of the cargo ; and the captain dispatched a messenger to Dr. Laidley to inform him of my arrival. He came to Jonkakonda the morning following, when I delivered him Mr. Beauiby's letter, and he gave me a kind invitation to spend my time at his house until an opportunity should offer of prosecuting my journey. This invitation was too acceptable to be refused, and being furnished by the Doctor with a horse and guide, I set out from Jonkakonda at day break on the 5th of July, and at eleven o'clock arrived at Pisania, where I was accommodated with a room and other conveniences in the Doctor's house.

Pisania is a small village in the King of Yany's dominions, established by British subjects as a factory for trade, and inhabited solely by them and their black servants. It is situated on the banks of the Gambia, sixteen miles from Jonkakonda. The white residents, at the time of my arrival there, consisted only of Dr. Laidley, and two gentlemen who were brothers^ of the name of Ansley; but their domestics were numerous. They enjoyed perfect security under the king's protection, and being highly esteemed and respected by the natives at large, wanted no accommodation or comfort which the country could supply ; and the greatest part of the trade in slaves, ivory and gold, was hi their hands.

Being now settled for some time at my ease, my first object was to learn the Mandingo tongue, being the language in almost general use throughout this part of Africa; and without which I was fully convinced, that I never could acquire an extensive knowledge of the country or its inhabitants. In this pursuit I was greatly assisted by Dr. Laidley, who, by a long residence in the country, and constant intercourse with the natives, had made himself completely master of it. Next to the language, my great object was to collect information concerning the countries I intended

2%

TRAVELS IN THE.

to visit. On this occasion I was referred to certain tradeo called Slatees. These are free black merchani of great consideration in this part of Africa, who come aown from the interior countries, chiefly with enslaved negroes for sak ; but I soon discovered that very little dependence could be placed on the accounts which they gave ; for they cc ltradicted each other in the most important particulars, and all of them seemed extremely unwilling that I should prosecute my journey. These circumstances increased my anxiety to ascertain the truth from my own personal observation.

In researches of this kind, and in observing the manners and customs of the natives, in a country so little known to the nations of Europe, and furnished with so many striking and uncommon objects of nature, my time passed not unpleasantly ; and I began to flatter myself that I had escaped the fever, or seasoning, to which Europeans, on their first arrival in hot climates, are generally subject. But on the 31st of July, I imprudently exposed myself to the night dew, in observing an eclipse of the moon, with a view to determine the longitude of the place : The next day I found myself attacked with a smart fever and delirium ; and such an illness followed, as confined me to the house during the greatest part of August. My recovery was very slow ; but I embraced every short interval ef convalescence to walk out, and make myself acquainted with the productions of the country. In one of those excursions, having rambled farther than usual, in a hot day, I brought on a return of my fever, and on the 10th of September I was again confined to my bed. The fever however, was not so violent as before ; and in the course of three weeks I was able, when the weather would permit, to renew my botanical excursions ; and when it rained, I amused myself with drawing plants* &c. in my chamber. The care and attention of Dr. Laidley contributed greatly to alleviate my sufferings ; his company and conversation beguiled the tedious hours during that gloomy season when the rain falls in torrents ; when suffocating heats oppress by day, and when the night is spent by the terrified traveller, in listening to the croaking of frogs (of which the numbers are beyond imagination,) the shrill cry of the jackall, and the deep howling of the hysena; a dismal concert, interrupted only by the roar of such tremen-