The golden trade: or, A discouery of the riuer Gambra, and the golden trade of the Aethiopians Also, the commerce with a great blacke merchant, called Buckor Sano, and his report of the houses couered with gold, and other strange obseruations for the good of our owne countrey; set downe as they were collected in trauelling, part of the yeares, 1620. and 1621. By Richard Iobson, Gentleman.

The Inuitement to this golden Trade, shewing the cause of the first vnderta∣king it, and orderly proceedings therein.

IT hath beene the vsuall course (for the most part,) of such as trauaile Forraine parts, in the obseruiug and setting downe such things as they see, to neg∣lect the noting of what is held publike, in regard that after the whole Company, be they 60. 40. or but ten together, haue taken perfect view, it stands conceited, the same is as well manifest to our whole Country, whereby diuerse times, many things worthy of note here at home, to such as take pleasure in reading of other mens aduentures, and delight in variety of other nations, are either quite left out, or slited in so poore a manner, as the Rea∣der goes away vnsatisfied: I hauing receiued this caueat from that worthy gentleman, Mr. Samuel Purchus, who is so dilligent a searcher, and setter forth of all our English trauailes, of whose true in∣dustry those great volumes he hath publisht to the

world, shalbe perpetuall witnesse, spending therein (as he rightly termeth it) his talent for his Coun∣tries seruice, and being likewise incouraged by him, after he had seene and read my iournall breefly rela∣ting each dayes particular, in my trauailes, into this great and spacious Country: whereof by Gods grace I entend to write, laying as it were a com∣mande vpon me, not to conceale that, which by publishing may first tend, vnto the aduancement of Gods glory, and next vndoubtedly the honor, wealth, and preferment of our owne nation: Like∣wise hauing beene still earnestly inuited by all sorts of people, and especially by some of worthy note, (as occasions haue fallen out at any time, whereby I haue beene drawne into discourse of these tra∣uailes) that I ought not, nor might not without of∣fence leaue vnpublished, that which doth proffer so apparant hopes of so great a golden Trade, which at this time seemes so needfull, that by the generall complant of our great want, the earth hath shut vp her rich bowels toward vs in other places, the rather to enuite vs to seeke after that, which lies as it were vnder our noses, in respect of other trauailes, and hath beene lest as a concealed busi∣nesse, vntell our time of neede, that then it might be more effectually followed, and more seriously regarded: For apparant proofes whereof, first there is no Historian but will accord, that in all ancient Histories discoursing of the inward parts of Affrica, assurely alwayes called by the name of Ethiopia, it hath beene noted for the golden region, in the whole conquests of Alexinder, as Quintus Curtius sets it downe, lie onely had a great desire to

visit these parts of Ethiopia, but neuer came there. The Romans likewise, carefull Relaters of their great victories, doe speake little of the interior parts of Affrica, their greatest entrance being in the wars of Iugurth, and in pursuite of him, onely mention is made, of a great desire they had to search the South parts, in regard they were thereunto inuited, by those rich and golden armes, they found those blacke people to come against them withall, where of so many golden shields, were carried to their fa∣mous City, in their so glorious triumphs, but in their discoueries they had no successe: Returning with the losse of most of their people, in regard as is alleaged, they met with diuerse drie and sandy deserts to passe, wherein as many were lost and o∣uer-whelmed, so againe the parching heate, and continuall droughth was cause of the perishing of many others, and inforced their returne, without any satisfaction.

The selfe same causes continue still, for which we neede not search written bookes, but talke or discourse with any Marchant of this City of Lon∣don, who haue yearely trade and commerse in Bar∣bary, being the nearest parts of Affrica, adioyning vnto vs, and many times from our Country, into their principall Harbours, runne in twelue dayes, and in the like time againe, from them to vs, and inquire of them, whence the Moore of Barbary hath that rich gold, he makes his Chequens of, and they will tell you, there is no gold growing, within the confines of Morocco, or Fesse, at least that is knowne, or made vse of, but that the great aboundance of * 1.1 that rich gold they haue, is fetcht and brought into

the Country, by the naturall inhabitants, for which they vndergo great trauailes, onely by land where∣in they do passe great desertes of sand, with much danger, as appeares by the losse they receiue many yeares, of diuerse both of their people, and Cam∣mels, yet so commodious is their trade, and fol∣lowed with such great dilligence and gouernment, that amongst themselues, none are admitted but principall persons, and by especiall order, without entertaining any other nation, what respect or fa∣miliarity so euer, they haue gained amongst them.

This in effect hath beene the sole ground, to at∣taine vnto that knowledg, which I presume here to write for my Countries seruice, wherein duety es∣pecially requires me, to manifest the care and dil∣ligence, of those noble and worthy Gentlemen, who are the grounds, and originals of this hope∣full worke, vnto whom these my labours, as their owne proper rights are dedicated, whose vertues ayming at good actions, in this our blessed and peacefull time, and cessation from those sea affaires, they were wont to be bufied in summond them vp, to in quire and make search after the goldnest hopes, and vpon good grounded conferances with such principall Merchants of Barbary as their wisdomes could make choyse of, attaine some better satisfa∣ction, to their former knowledge of the Moore of Barbarios Marchandizing, as I lightly haue toucht before, wherein their practise and true vnderstand∣ing in the Mathematiques assured them, the Moors vnknowne trauaile must be to the South-west, if o∣ther wayes our Quotidian trade, into all and euery part of the Mediterrane sea, must needes haue had

some or other intelligence. And theresore vniting themselues together, concluded vpon a lawfull and warrant-able course to vndergo the search of this * 1.2 golden trade, by the South-parts, and to aduenture vppon those promising riuers, that fall into the maine Ocean, on the South-west side, wherein it now requires, I should briefly relate, the manner of their proceeding.

In the yeare 1618. in the month of September, they set forth a ship called the Catherine, burthen 120. tun, and in her imployd on George Thompson a man about fifty yeares of age, who had liued many years a Marchant in Barbary, the carcazon of goods hee carried with him amounted vnto 1856 f. 19 s̄. 2 d. * 1.3 hauing his instructions from the Gouernour and Company to enter in the Riuer of Gambra, and with such shallops, as hee had, and were thought conuenient for him, to follow his trade, and to dis∣couer vp the Riuer, leauing the shippe in a secured Harborough: All which in his part being carefully performed, in his absence, through the ouermuch trust of our English hearts, and faire familiarity wee vse to all nations, with whom we are in amity, the shippe was betrayde, and euery man left in her, his throat cut, by a few poore deiected Portingals * 1.4 and Melatos, whom they gaue free recourse aboord, being onely banisht people, and for the most runna∣gados from their Country, as when I come more particularly to write of them, will more fitly be deliuered: Thompson vpon intelligence, being got∣ten farre vppe into the Riuer, and finding the in∣habitants to vse him curteously, with the Kings allowance of the Country, seated himselfe vppon

the land, and thorough the kindnesse of the inha∣bitants, neere those parts where the shippe was lost, some of the English who came downe from Thompson, where safely conueighed many dayes trauaile ouer land, vntill they found meanes, to meete with shipping to transport them home, with their woefull tidings: Whereupon the noble Aduenturers, with all expedition set forth a Pin∣nace of fifty tunnes, called the S. Iohn, and in her a new supply of goods, and direction to Thompson, either for his repaire, withall his Company home, * 1.5 or as he did affect his trade, or had hope of his dis∣couery, to make vse of those goods, and abide there: He vtterly refused to come away, and there∣fore sent away the S. Iohn, who for that they came in an vnseasonable time, which then experience made them vnderstand, and thorough some other abuses, which more conueniently else where I shall set downe, which losse of many of her men re∣turned, and as little comfort of gaine to the Aduenturers, onely hopefull letters from Thomp∣son, inuiting them to a new supply, and by the next season to send vnto him a shippe and pin∣nace, with some especiall commodity hee made mention of, confidently affirming, they should no wayes doubt of a hopefull discouery, where the Moores of Barbary traded, and a valewable returne for their losses sustained, promising in the meane time, which such company as he had left with him, being in all onely eight persons, in his small boate to search vp the Riuer, which hee attempted in a payre of Oares, takeing onely two of his owne Company with him, the rest

people of the Country, which whom hee past vp the Riuer, and got to Tinda, a place hee aymed at; in hope to haue had conference with a blacke Merchant, called Buckor Sano, (of whom I shall haue cause to speake in the Relation of my owne trauailes) fayling of him, for that hee was then in his trauailes within the land, hee stayd not many houres aboue, how-be-it in that time, hee recei∣ued such intelligence of the trade hee lookt after, that such an extasie of ioy possest him, as it is and hath beene aleadged against him, that growing more peremptory then he was wont, and seeming to gouerne with more contempt, by a quarrell fal∣ling out amongst them one of his Company * 1.6 slew him, to the vtter losse of what he had attaind vnto, who in regard of emulation in striuing to keepe others hee affected not in ignorance, com∣mitted nothing to paper, so as all his endeauours and labours were lost with him. These things I haue presumed to write, that it may appeare, what rubs haue beene in the infancy of this disco∣uery, and may partly make answere to the question may bee propounded, by any that shalbee pleased to read ouer my insuing discourse, why so hope∣full and promising abusinesse should bee neg∣lected.

And now I returne to the worthy Aduenturers who little distrusting this mishap, not withstanding Thompson was slaine in March, whereof they could haue no intelligence: In October after beeing a conuenient season set forth againe a shippe and Pinnace, the shippe called the Syon, burthen 200. tunne, and the S. Iohn a Pinnace of 50 tunne: * 1.7

In this shippe it pleased them to imploy mee the present wrighter, and now what doeth insewe of this discourse; is written from mee either as an eye witnesse, or what I haue receiued from the Country people, and none but such, as were of esteeme, and as my confidence assures, would deliuer no false thing, as where I come to speake of the blacke people in particular, may be more aptly conceiued. The 25. of October 1620. wee set sayle from Dart-mouth, the 4. of Nouember, when the day appeared we were vp with the Iland of Launcerot, and the next day by noone, past the Canary Iland, and had layd all that land the 17. of Nouember, we came to an anckor in the Riuer of Gambra, hauing had some occasion of stay by the way, to the losse of neere three dayes, so as our * 1.8 whole trauaile from Dart-mouth thither was in 20. dayes, we anckored some foure leagues within the mouth of the Riuer.

And to auoide inconueniences, by intermingling one thing with another, to set downe each parti∣cular as they presented themselues: I haue thought it most acceptable to the Reader, to diuide my dis∣course into particular heads, the more aptly to bee vnderstood, wherein I thinke it fit to beginne with * 1.9 the description of the Riuer, with the limit and bounds thereof, so farre as we haue scene, likewise what opinion experience makes mee hold for the continuance thereof, and how necessary it is, to bee searcht into for aduancing the Golden Trade, with a relation what we find liuing therein, which may serue for sustenance, and maintaine the Traueller, next the seuerall sorts of people, inhabi∣ting

vpon the land, Blackmen alias Mandingos, or E∣thiopians, Fulbies, and the vagrant Porting all, with the manner of their liues, buildings, and fortifica∣tions, the state of their Kings, and the title of other Commaunders, and their manner of life. The gouernment of the Mary-bucke or Bissareas, the dis∣course of their Religion, and seperations from the rest, and course of trading, and therein speaking of their luliettos or Merchants, with the Relation of my meeting with Buckor Sano, a great blacke Merchant, and commerce with him: Their Iuddies or Fidlers, and manner of meeting, with the dis∣course of circumcision, and report of their diuell Ho-re, what manner of trads are amongst the com∣mon people, their order for tilling the ground, and seuerall sorts of graine, and other plants in vse a∣mongst them, and therewith an ample Relation of the times and seasons of the yeare, when those great stormes of thunder and lightning, with a∣boundance of raine do fal, the vnwholsomens of the ayre in those times and what naturall reasons may be all edged as well for those contagious times, as al∣so to auoyde the inconueniences that haue former∣ly by most of our nations beene fallen vnto: Againe what variety of wilde beasts aswell offensiue, and rauenous, as also such as are for the sustenance and comfort of those as trauaile, we find the Country replenished with, thereunto adioyning what land foule is likewise there, the aboundance of both, which kinds are alwayes at hand to mend the dyet of any ingenious looker out; and with a briefe con∣clusion from myselfe, I shut vp my discourse vnto which seuerally I now proceed: & first to the Riuer.

The description of the Riuer.

THIS Riuer, whereof I now take in hand, (by Gods grace) to write, is scituate in the lati∣tude of 13 degrees and ½, by all or the most part of Mappes and Cardes, and by some called, by the name of Gambia, by others Gamba, and by another sort set downe Gambra, to which latter name being most frequent, I doe apply my selfe, for by the na∣turall inhabitants, either belowe in the mouth of it, neither it aboue to the farthest I haue trauelled, being vpon the truest accompt I could keepe, some 320 leagues, or 960 miles, could I euer heare any proper name, but only the word Gee, which in their language, they vse to all riuers, and waters: It hath one sole entrance, which in the very mouth, is about some 4 leagues broad, and in the channell 3 fad∣dome water, at the least, without any barre, contra∣ry to the setting of it formerly forth, where it is generally noted to haue a barre, and much sholer water then we haue found: After we are run some 4 leagues in, it doth spread it selfe, into so many riuers, bayes, and creekes, that for the space of some 30 leagues, vnto a Towne called Tauckro valley, it is so intricate, thar many months might be spent to search each particuler within that limit; but for that my occasion of writing, is grounded vpon the great hopes, and expectations, that are from aboue I entend not to make any stay there, but refer what is to be sayd, vntil I speake of the inhabitants, only, as I proceed to let you know, that the maine chan∣nell, is not to be mistaken, except within the limit

aforesayde, and then also thorough great neglect, or rather some wilfull ignorance.

Thus with a faire streame, this braue riuer shoo∣teth in flowing from his mouth, into the land, neare vpon 200 leagues, vnto a Towne called Baraconda, or some little aboue, & that is the vttermost bounds of his flowing, euen in the lowest season of the yeare: For as in all riuers, running into the sea, the increase of the inland waters, occasioned by raines, or snowes, doe abate of the seas in draught; so much more, in this great Riuer, who swels vpright 30 foote, obseruing one due time, and season of the yeare for euer, must the seas force in those swelling times, be mightely driuen backe; whereby a cer∣taine knowledge is attaind, which are the setled times, to be followed eamestly, to meete with no impediment, in passing vp, which impediment, is onely want of water to passe ouer flats, which in the lowest season of the yeare, in certaine places, are met withall, as is commonly seene, in all ri∣uers, of such mighty inlets, which bankes as it were being past, presently a faire passable Riuer continues, for many leagues; and as we expect our seasons of Winter, and Sommer, so do these inha∣bitants these times of floods, occasioned by aboun dance of raine, which raines alwayes proceed forth of the South-east, and haue their beginnings, much sooner in the inland, then at the Riuers mouth, so as in those parts, where we haue had aboade, they begin to fall in the latter end of May, and at the * 1.10 Riuers mouth, not vntill the end of Iune: These raines continue very violent, for three moneths, comming downe with great winds, and very much

thunder, and lightniug, not perpetually, but as we say, in suddaine gustes, and stormes, the violence whereof being ouerpassed, the people continue their labour, as where I write of their manner of Tillage, is more largely set downe, as also a more free discription of these contagious times: The increase of the Riuer likewise, in the beginning of the yeare, before any raine is seene to fall where we aboade, did make it propable, that raine wasfal∣len, within the land, before we tasted any, all which affirmes the great inlet of this hopefull Riuer, and giues an assurance, that it is passable, if times and seasons be obserued, and with dilligence followed, with boates, and vessels fitted accordingly, as expe∣rience in trauelling it already so farre, may some wayes warrant a sufficient director.

Next to shew a continuance of this great streame, when we had rowed beyond the ebbing and flow∣ing, and 12. dayes against the currant, which wee trauailed in the moneth of Ianuary, when the water was at the lowest of his nourishment, and then the shole we met withall, and stopped our further pro∣ceeding, had 9. inches water, which shallownesse continued not aboue to yards, wherein if we had * 1.11 beene an able company together, being onely 10. of vs, and likewise had had prouision of tooles wherewithall, and beene assured of a commodius trade, and so friendly a people to conuerse withall, as after we found, any encouragement would haue made vs worke a gut thorough that little distance, and being past that place, the riuer shewed him∣selfe againe, with faire promising, so farre as wee bad occasion to looke, neare a league, and how far

he might so continue, we are ignorant, and in those places aboue did we see sea-horses, whosenature re∣quires deep waters, as where I write at large of him, you may better perceiue, likewise the higher still, more store of Crocodiles, which addes incourage∣ment of the largnesse of the Riuer; and likewise a faire breadth betweene the shores: I follow these probabilities, to encourage the farther search of the Riuer, which dilligently followed, may euen in one season, giue a full satisfaction to the forward Aduenturer, and if it so fall out, we can meete with any towne aboue, standing by the Riuer side, it will assuredly proue a commodious place, to make our aboade in, to take the aduantage of the seasonable times, and to make returnes, to, and againe, as ex∣perience must leade, to the greatest aduantage. And for trade there is no question, but a maruai∣lous recourse would be vnto vs, which is already testified, in that so many hundreds of them came downe vnto vs, to the remote place where we were enforced to stay, building them houses of reads on both sides the shore, and the recourse still more, and more increasing, in so much as we had intelli∣gence, the people were comming, from a great Towne called Iaye in their language, and wee doe conceaue it to be Gago, if wee had beene furnisht with commodities enough for them, and likewise knowne the seasonable times for our passage in the * 1.12 Riuer, and conuenient Harborough for our safer aboade; and why may not the towne they call Mumbar, which they say is but 6. dayes iourney from the place we stayed at, according to their tra¦uaile, which in the discourse of the people Laster

lay downe, belikewise vpon the Riuer, if so, how great an aduantage, might it bring vnto vs, if wee were minded to stay there, when the Moore of Bar∣bary come, for at this towne the Carauan from Bar∣bary doth stay and abide, we know their whole trade is for gold, but what quantity they haue here, or what people it is, they trade withall, we are as yet ignorant, and this aduenture vp the riuer, would vndoubtedly discouer, that the gold is there, wee are assured of, hauing battered, and had trade for some, and vpon triall the same in goodnesse, that Barbary affords our Countries, hauing the riuer to friend, we should be able, though but few of vs, to defend our selues, from the rage of the Barbary Moore, if he should attempt any thing against vs, for vndoubtedly, when he shall see vs entered into his trade, he will appose what may be, to affront vs; And although I haue beene promised safe de∣fence, by the country people, yet a boat is a certaine retreate, and the Riuer a constant friend, to trust vnto.

Againe, what know we, whither the Riuer may bring vs within the confines of those people, who will not be seene, and are those to whom our salte doeth passe, of whom in the relation of the Coun∣try, in his place, as it followeth I write, and if it be as in all descriptions that are set out, it is layd downe, that the Riuer of Senega, and this Riuer do meete, yet cannot be in any probability, but a few dayes iourney, aboue the place, and heigh, we haue already beene at, must needes reach to it, and no doubt afterwards, that which affordes two such branches, must containe within himselfe, a faire

and promising streame, which may take head from some great and large lake, aboue, such as is descri∣bed, to be about Gago, and if any such place should be found, what vse or profit might arise, cannot but promise a hopefull expectation.

And lastly, if the inhabitants aboue, be enemies amongst themselues, as we see in the mouth of the Riuer, and heare likewise of them, what aduantage our force in the Riuer, may worke, will easily be considered, in regard they haue not the vse of any * 1.13 boates, aboue where it ebbes and flowes, so farre as we haue hetherunto beene, which is about 120. leagues, or 360. miles, which we were trauelling, as I haue sayd before, onely 12. dayes, wherein is to be vnderstood, we laboured not the whole day, but setting forward so soone as it was day light, we continned working vntill 9. or 10. of the clocke, * 1.14 resting the heate of the day, and againe from 3. vntil the euening shut in, and not at all in the night when it was coole, and conuenient, for auoyding of trees sunke, rockes, and sholes, which in the day time we could see, and haue now taken notice of, and perfectly writ downe, that vpon any second at∣tempt, we may be much bolder, and thereby aske lesser time for performance, how beit our returne downeward, for those 12. dayes trauaile, was in 6. and God be praised, both going, comming, and staying there, without sicknesse, or losse of any one man; Nay more (to our great comfort wee found) the higher we went, the more healthfull our bodies. And it is likely, if townes were found againe, neare * 1.15 the Riuer, they do so continue, for from Baraconda, whither the Riuer flowed, we neuer hard, nor saw

of any Towne, or plantation, nor recourse of any people vnto vs, but what we sent for, neither shew of any boate, onely some two, or three bundles of Palmeta leaues, we found bound vptogether, which our Blackes would tell vnto vs, some of the people had made shift to passe the riuer vpon, so as our pas∣sage then must needes afford more discouragement to the Actors, then any that can, (by Gods grace) happen hereafter, for we were discouraged, that the people aboue were of a bad condition, if we could passe vnto them, which the inhabitants held, as im∣possible, in regard they did affirme, the riuer was full of trees suncke, and drifts, wee should meete withall, and our time in passing, being vncertaine, our prouision which was small, might faile vs, and poorely (God knowes) we were prouided of those materials, that would haue helpt to maintaine that principall, in respect the place, and way affordeth it; and what experience hereafter, can direct in that kind to doe, which being good comforts, and en∣couragers to the Aduenturer, I will not by any meanes leaue vnwritten.

There is abounding in this Riuer, who are bred and liue therein, two sorts especiall, as I may terme them monstrous, the one deuouring as the people report, and the other daungerous, as I haue found: The deuouring is the Crocodile or Alegatha, because they carry one, and the same resemblance, but * 1.16 doubtlesse, I am perswaded, there is no other Cro∣codile, but such as wee haue seene in this Riuer, whom the people call by the name of Bumbo, sundry times when we haue driuen them from the shore, where they haue beene lying in the morning, or o∣therwise

forth of the water, when wee haue obser∣ued the print they leaue behind them, vpon the foft sand, we haue found by measure of rule, his whole length, from the point of his nose, to the end of his tayle, containe thirty three foote; The people of the Country, stand in such dread of these, that they dare not wash their hands in the great Riuer, much lesse, offer to swimme, or wade therein, repor∣ting * 1.17 vnto vs many lamentable stories, how many of their friends, and acquaintance haue beene de∣uoured by them: neither do they at any time bring any of their Cattle, to passe the Riuer, as within ebbing, and flowing, they haue diuerse occasions to doe, but with great dread, and ceremony: for at all Townes within that compasse, they haue small boats, which we call Canoos, to ferry ouer with∣all, which cannot receiue a liue beefe, onely some fiue or sixe of the people: but when they passe a beefe ouer, he is led into the water, with a rope to his hornes, whereby one holds him close to the boate, and another taking vp his tayle, holds in the like manner; the Priest, or Mary-bucke, stands ouer the middle of the beast, praying and spitting vpon him, according to their ceremonies, charming the Crocodile, and another againe by him, with his bow and arrowes ready drawne, to expect when the * 1.18 Crocodile will ceaze, and in this manner, if there be twenty at a time, the passe them one after ano∣ther, neuer thinking them safe, vntill they be on the toppe of the Riuer bancke: One thing more, to shew the feare they haue of him, when I was going in my discouery vp the Riuer; hauing as I sayde, onely nine of our owne people with me, I did hire

Blacke-men, as I had occasion to vse them, to serue as Interpreters, likewise to send abroade, and to helpe to row, and get vp the boate, so that when I came to passe the flowing, and to goe all against the currant, I did furnish my selfe, of foure able Black-men: the first place we found a stiffe gut to resist vs, the water being not aboue foure foote deepe, for speedier and more easier passing our men went into the water, and laying hands, some one the one side of the boate, and some likewise on the other, waded along, and led her through, which we found a good refreshing; the Riuer being sweete and cleare, was comfortable in the heate, by no meanes I could not make any of my blacke people, go out of the boate, denying flatly to go into the water, saying that Bumbo would haue them; after some * 1.19 two of these ages, there was another streight, where was a necessity of more hands, so that striping my selfe, I leapt into the water, the Blackes seeing me prepare, seeme much to diswade me, but when they saw me in the water, they presently consulting together, stript themselues, and came likewise in, the businesse ended, and we all aboord againe, I askt of them the cause made them come in, hauing so ear∣nestly denied it before, they made answere, they had considered amongst themselues, the white man, * 1.20 shine more in the water, then they did, and therefore it Bumbo come, hee would surely take vs first, so that after they neuer refused to go in, yet in all our whole passage, did we neuer receiue any assult, but to the contrary, where we haue seene great companies of them, lying vpon the sands, they haue perpetually auoyded vs, with the same

shines, that Snakes doe vse, to auoyde the noyse, and sight of men here, onely boldest to shew him∣selfe where the water was deepest, and the Blacke people, do not sticke to say, that since the white men haue had to doe in the Riuer, the Crocodile is not so daungerous, as in former times; Againe, whereby it doth appeare, they are more aboundant∣ly aboue, whereas he doth naturally smel exceeding sweete, after the manner of muske, so as in all pla∣ces, where they vse to come one shore they leaue a sent behind them, that many times we are not able to receiue, but inforced to stoppe our nostrils: some three dayes, before wee came to the highest place we stayd at, we beganne to find the Riuer wa∣ter, which was our daily drinke, to change his rel∣lish, * 1.21 but after we came there, it had such a sweete musky tast, that we not onely refused, to drinke of it, but also could not endnre, our meate to be drest therewith, but sought out springs and freshes, vp∣on the land, nay more, those great fish which with our hookes, we tooke in that place, lost the sauor they had below, and did tast and rellish as the Cro∣codile smelt, that we vtterly refused, to eate them ourselues, but bestowed them vpon the people of the Country, which receiued them thankfully; land likewise the cry and noyse of them in this place, was more then we had heard al the way, for the noyse he makes is resembled right to the sound of a deepe great well, with which the great ones call one to another, and may be distinctly heard a league, which surely argues, the continuance of this hopefull ri∣uer, and that some great lake aboue may bee the nourisher of them.

The other is the Sea-horse, who in this Riuer do wounderfully abound, and for that the name of Sea-horse is a common word, in regard of the Greene-land voyages, where they vse the same to the Sea-mosses they kill there, who are of con∣trary * 1.22 shapes, I thinke it fit to describe this fish or beast, or what I may call him, because question∣lesse, there was neuer beast, nor any thing in that kinde, set forth to shewe in these our Countries, that would produce more admira∣tion. He is in fashion of body, a compleate horse, as round buttock'd as a horse of seruice, and in his whole body answerable: his head like vnto a horse with short eares, but palpably appearing which he wags, and stirres, as he shewes himselfe, onely to∣ward his mouth, he growes broade downe like a Bull, and hath two teeth standing right before vpon his lower choppe, which are great and dan∣gerous in regard he strikes with them: his crye, or neighing, directly like a great horse, and hath in the same manner foure legges, answerable to his body, whereupon hee goes, and wherewith hee likewise swimmeth, as a horse doeth, yet in these is his greatest difference, for they are some∣what shorter in proportion, then horses are, and where they should be round hoofte, it deuides it selfe into fiue pawes, vpon euery which hee hath a hoofe, the whole foote, containing a compasse of great breadth, as the beast is in growth, insomuch as I haue taken the measure of some prints they leaue, where they walke, of twenty ynches ouer: His manner of feeding likewise, resembles the horse, for although he liue

all day in the Riuer, yet euery night hee goeth duely on shore, in diuers places feeding vpon their Rice, and Corne, doing the Country peo∣ple much spoyle, but his generall feeding, is vpon low marish grounds, where the grasse or sedge is * 1.23 greene, to which they resort in great companies, & in those reaches of the Riuer, which haue deepest water, and lie nearest, and conuenienst, to such man∣ner of grounds, do wee alwayes finde greatest store: in some places, they go a mile from the shore side to their feede, hauing trackes that are beaten as hard and palpable, as London high way; he returnes by the breake of day to the Ri∣uer, where he is very bold, when our boates come by, hee will hold his head aboue the water, ma∣ny times store of them together, and so neare as within Pistolls shot, snorting, neighing, and tossing the water, making shewes of great dis∣pleasure, and sometimes attempting it, for in my passage too and againe in the Riuer, my boate was stricken by them three times, and one of the blowes was very daungerous, for he stroke his tooth quite through, which I was enforced, * 1.24 with a great deale of dilligence to stoppe, or it had daungered our sinking; but the hazard of them may be well auoyded, if men be proui∣ded to shoote at them, when they presse ouer∣bold, which wee could not do, in regard out allowance of powder was small, and we were dri∣uen to put it to other vses, neither had wee * 1.25 peeces accordingly, thorough the neglect of some ill wishing persons, who deceiue

the trust the worthy Aduenturers apposed vpon them: In the night, while wee had candle burning, some of them, disturbed by vs, would remaine in the Riuer, and would come staring vp the streame, snoring, and pressing neere vpon vs, but wee found meanes to send them packing, for breaking a small peece of wood, we would sticke a short candle lighted vpon it, and let it driue with the streame vpon them, from which they would flie, and make way, with a great deale of horrour, and one note we obserued amongst them, they werealwayes most dangerous, when they had their young with them, which they sometimes leaue on shore, but being in the water, euery female carries her young vpon her backe, so as when she puts vp her head, the young head likewise will looke his share, and where they appeare many heads together, there is asmuch va∣riety, as from the great horse, to the hunting nagge: the Sea-horse, we found greatest store: when we were likewise past the flowing of the tide, and continued aboue the highest place we were, which still argues, a large and constant Riuer: The people do account * 1.26 of these for an excellent meate, not resusing to eate them, if they be taken vp dead in the Riuer, as they are many times found swimming, howsoeuer they come killed, howbeit I conceiue, the Crocodile and they agree, for that I haue stood vpon the bancke, and see them swimme, one by another with∣out offence.

Hauing spoken of these, I now returne to matter of sustenance, which the Riuer affordeth, there is variety of good fish, among which great store of Mullet, if men haue nets, and prouision to take

them, which in some places, within the ebbing and flowing, the shore lies conuenient to make vse of, and aboue, that in most places, howbeit we neuer made vse aboue any place where our shippe ridde, who alwayes kept the net with her, wherewith we made diuerse draughts, most especially at a Towne called Cassan, and against which the shippe did ride, and was the highest place in the Riuer she went, where our convenientst drawing was close to the Towne, and when the people at any time saw vs bring our net on the shore, and prouide to fish, as the net came neare the shore, they would come rudely in and many times with their vnciuilnes, in∣danger the breaking, and spoyling of our net, with their greedinesse to lay hold on the fish, that wee were inforced to speake vnto the King, dwelling in the Towne, to command them to forbeare troub∣ling vs, promising when we had taken for our own present vse, and reserued some for him, the residue should be taken out and remaine amongst them, and his Commaund being given, they were care∣full to obserue it.

Amongst the rest, one time hauing made a draught, we had not such plenty as vsually, onely some fish, in the cod of the net, which being taken vp, were shakt into a basket standing in the boate, with which we rowed aboord, & the basket being handed in as the custome is, the fish were powred vpon the Decke, whereof many rude Saylers will be their owne caruers, amongst which fish, there was one, much like vnto our English breame, but of a great thicknes, which one of the Saylers thinking for his turne, thought to take away, putting there∣fore

his hands vnto him, so soone as he toucht, the fellow presently cried out, he had lost the vse both of his hands, and armes: another standing by sayd, * 1.27 what with touching this fish? and in speaking, put thereto his foote, he being bare-legged, who pre∣sently cried out in the like manner, the sence of his leg was gone: this gaue others, of better rancke, occasion to come forth, and looke vpon them, who perceiuing the sence to come againe, called vp for the Cooke, who was in his roome below, know∣ing nothing what had hapned, & being come wild him to take that fish, and dresse, which he being a plaine stayd fellow, orderly stooping to take vp, as his hands were on him, suncke presently vpon his hinder parts, and in the like manner, made grieuous mone: he felt not his hands, which bred a wonderfull admiration amongst vs: from the shore at the same time was comming a Canoe aboord vs, in which was a Blacke man called San∣die, who in regard he had some small knowledge of the Portingall tongue, had great recourse amongst vs, we brought him to the fish, and shewed it vnto him, vpon sight whereof, he fell into a laughter, and told vs, it was a fish they much feared in the water, for what he toucht hee num'd, his nature being to stroke himselfe vpon another fish, whom presently he likewise num'b, and then pray'd vpon him, but bid vs cut of his head; and being dead, his vertue was gone, and he very good to eate: At this place onely we should see many Moores sporting, play∣ing, and comming boldly into the water, a good distance from the shore, where lay a sandy banke, but they neuer went beyond their heights, and they

would tell vs, there was a blessing granted to that place, by some great Mary-bucke, that Bumbo should neuer hurt them; and on that side the Towne stood, as our ship did ride in the middle of the Riuer, and we haue obserued, we neuer saw any Crocodile; but on the contrary side, many times very great ones; And this being assured∣ly true, for varieties sake I haue placed here.

In the vpper part of the Riuer, there are store of fish, and more conueniently to be come by, if men go prouided. Amongst which we note one lit∣tle fish, * 1.28 which may well be called the running fish, and is much like our English Roach, with a red tayle, who is inforced to runne aboue the water, and will continue a great way, but only touching of it, to saue his life from his pursuing enemy, who comes chopping after him, iust like the Trout after the flie, and is of that bignesse the Trout is, that somtimes the little fish hath runne into our Canoe to auoyde the pursuer: Likewise of foule, the higher we go, we find plenty, and much variety, but this we haue euer obserued, that in the maine Riuer, we neuer see them swimming, but as they are in * 1.29 sholes together be they Ducke, and Mallard, or any other in their kind, they sit vpon the shore, close to the Riuer side, and dare not surely venter in, for feare of the Crocodile, but haue their princi∣pall feeding vpon the marish grounds, and ponds, which lie from the Riuer, whereof the Country is very full, and you can finde no such place, but is aboundantly furnished, among which are many geese, of colour white, and blacke, rather bigger then our English tame goose, who hath vpon

each pinion of his wing, a sharpe spur, in euery point resembling a Cockes spurre of the largest size, with which they are apt, not being shot dead, to giue offence: but for foule that liue naturally by the shore side, as Hernes, Corlews, Storkes, Pluffer and the like, it doth yeeld plenty, so that whom∣soeuer shall go vp well furnished of peeces, and powder, shalbe sure to mend their fare, and light vpon many a dainty dish.

The people of the Country haue likewise diuers wares, which they make vse of in the time of raines, and when the Riuer is ouer-floude, at which times, they kill much fish; and they haue also, a strange maner of fishing, in their lakes and ponds, of which there are many that are very broade, and containe much circute, but are not deepe, to which they re∣sort * 1.30 as they desire to fish, a whole towne or planta∣tion together, only the men, euery one hauing a kind of basket, with the mouth open, which hee holds downeward, and so going into the water, close on by another, they ouer spread the pond, whereby the fish is moued; and so clapping downe the mouth of their baskets before them, they hit vpon the fish, and in this manner they take so many that most of them go loaden home, and if at any time we be neare those places, they will louingly impart them to vs, vpon returnes from vs of poore valew: These things which now we know, and can tell how to prouide for, may serue as incourage∣ments, to proceede vpon a farther discouery, but in that which followes, concerning the loue of the people, what trade we already haue found, and what reliefe they bring vs, and at what rates, as

also what Deare, and wild Cattle the land affords throughout, with such variety of land foule, and other necessaries, wherof in their due place I meane to speake; I hope (as I desire) may be some furthe∣rances, to inuite Aduenturers, to aduise of some few dayes search further into this hopefull Riuer: Wherein the very Riuer, if we had nothing else to friend, prouing but as we haue hetherunto sound it, will afford that comfortable reliefe, men neede not stand in dread of staruing, which considered, and the probable good that may and will rise, in obtaining the Golden Trade, I conclude it most ne∣cessary, to follow dilligently a farther search, for which if I should be thereunto required, in place conuenient, I could yeeld some other speciall ac∣count which for some respects I forbeare to pub∣lish, and following my order, proceede to the in∣habitants.

The seuerall Inhabitants, &c.

TO speake of the Country, and the inhabitants, I take my beginning from the mouth of the Riuer, whereat our first entrance, we find the Black men called Mandingos, and that they do continue amongst themselues, still one and the selfe same lan∣guage: Those of them who are inhabiting, or dwel∣ling in the mouth of the Riuer, or within certain leagues of the first enterance, are very fearefull to speake with any shipping, except they haue perfect knowledge of them, in regard they haue beene many times, by seuerall nations, surprized, taken and carried away; but vpon some knowledge

they wil resort to the shore neare vnto vs, and bring with them Beeues, Goates, Hennes, and aboun∣dance of Bonanos, in the West Indies called Plan∣tanos, a most excellent good, and wholesome fruit; likewise of their Country pease, and other graine, and in way of Tradesome hides: they there alone haue the domination, their Kings and Gouernors being their seated, as in the vpper parts, of whom especially my discourse is intended, howbeit for the more playner proceeding, I must breake of a while from them, and acquainte you first, of another sort of people we finde dwelling, or rather lurking, a∣mongst these Maudingos, onely some certaine way vp the Riuer.

And these are, as they call themselues, Portin∣gales, and some few of them seeme the same; others of them are Molatoes, betweene blacke and white, but the most part as blacke, as the naturall inhabi∣tants: they are scattered, some two or three dwel∣lers * 1.31 in a place, and are all married, or rather keepe with them the countrey blacke women, of whom they beget children, howbeit they haue amongest them, neither Church, nor Frier, nor any other re∣ligious order. It doth manifestly appeare, that they are such, as haue beene banished, or fled away, from forth either of Portingall, or the Iles belonging vn∣to that gouernement, they doe generally imploy themselues in buying such commodities the coun∣trey affords, wherein especially they couet the country people, who are sold vnto them, when they commit offences, as you shall reade where I write of the generall gouernement: all which things they are ready to vent, vnto such as come into the riuer,

but the blacke people are bought away by their owne nation, and by them either carried, or solde vnto the Spaniard, for him to carry into the West Indies, to remaine as slaues, either in their Mines, or in any other seruile vses, they in those countries put them to: Some few of these sorting themselues together, in one time of the yeare, haue vsed to go vp this Riuer, in a boate or small barke, as farre as Setico, and there to remaine in trade, from whence it is certainely knowne they haue returned much gold, aboue which place they neuer attempted, which is not halfe the way, we haue already gone vp, since our trading there. With these, in their places of dwelling, wee are very conuersant, not∣withstanding, we receiued such a horrible treache∣ry from them, as is set downe in my beginning, in regarde they tell vs, those that were the Actors thereof, are banished from amongst them, as being hated and detested for the fact. Howsoeuer, wee hope, and desire it may stand, for all our Nations warning, neuer to let them haue the like occasion, but beleeue, euer they will doe as they say, in telling * 1.32 vs they do loue and wish vs wel, prouided they may neuer haue vs vnder their power, to be able to doe vs ill, which it behooneth vs to take especiall care of.

The conditions they liue subiect vnto, vnder the blacke Kings, makes it appeare, they haue litle com∣fort in any Christian countrey, or else themselues are very carelesse what becommeth of their poste∣ritie; for whensoeuer the husband, father, or mai∣ster of the familie dies, if hee be of any worth, the King seizeth vpon what hee hath, without respect,

either to wife, children, or seruant, except they haue warning to prouide before, or are capable of themselues, to looke out for the future time; where∣by we finde in some those few places we trade with them, poore distressed children left, who as it were exposed to the charitie of the country, become in a manner naturalized, and as they grow vp, apply themselues to buy and sell one thing for another as the whole country doth, still reseruing carefully, the vse of the Portingall tongue, and with a kinde of an affectionate zeale, the name of Christians, ta∣king it in a great disdaine, be they neuer so blacke, to be called a Negro: and these, for the most part, are the Portingalls, which liue within this Riuer, who since they see we haue followed a trade, and begunne to settle vpon it, in regard they much doubt, wee waite but an oportunitie (as they say amongst themselues) to haue a valuable satisfacti∣on, for the wrong their Nation began with, know∣ing the Englishmen doe not ordinarily digest such horrible abuses, it hath made such as were of worth, and dwelling vpon the coast, who were woont to looke into the Riuer, forbeare that recourse, and al∣so those, that were of the best and most ablest e∣states, to quit their dwellings, and to seeke out else-where, leauing none but a few poore snakes, who for feare, rather then loue, offer themselues, to do vs any maner of seruice: which feare of theirs, is the more increased, because the naturall blacke people, out of their morall vnderstanding, and were some of them spectators of their bloody murther, the shippe then riding before the Towne, when the fact was done, and by them rightly vnderstood, to

be treacherously done in betraying our faithfull trust, contrary to the great protestations and ob∣ligements before these inhabitants made and con∣firmed, did not onely vtterly disallow of the fact, but exclaiming against them, caused them to for∣sake their dwellings in that Towne, neither haue they at this time any habitations there, notwith∣standing they had had continuance for many yeares before.

And further, when some of our people, who were aboue in the Riuer, not knowing of this euill accident, and were vpon occasions returning to * 1.33 the shippe, whom they found so miserably lost, and carried away, the people of the Towne, especi∣ally some principall, and most powerfull men, tooke such compassion vpon them, that they fed them, and lodged them, with a great deale of louing care, and that for no small time, vntill they had deuised and concluded amongst themselues, what course to take; and hauing resolued, to take a tedious iour∣ney by Land, in seeking to crosse the country to the North-ward, vntill they came to Cape de Verde, where they were fure to meete with shipping, they not onely fitted them, with such necessaries as they could, but also fent of their owne people, as guides with them: and being in that manner commended from one King to another, were louingly entertai∣ned, lodged, and fed, and with new guides still con∣ueyed, neuer leauing them, vntill their desire was satisfied, and they safely arriued, where they found conuenient shipping, and still the commendations that went alongst with them, from one blacke King to another, was, in regard their shippe was betrai∣ed,

and taken away by the Portingall, whereby they found such compassion, that in some places they had horses to ride on, and in other places were en∣treated to rest, and recreate themselues, longer then they were willing.

And thus much is said, for those people of the country, amongst whom the Portingalls dwelt, had their aboade, and all familiar commerce; but for those blacke people who are dwelling aboue in the Riuer, where these Portingalls neuer had any habi∣tation, onely as I sayd, a trade, in their boates vp some part of the Riuer, and amongest whom wee haue setled our selues, with great league and testi∣fication of much amitie (as I must deliuer when I come vnto them,) these I say, when there was only fiue of our men dwelling amongst them, their hou∣ses seated by the Riuer side; and that ceraine Por∣tingals, in a smalbark or Boat, were to passe by them in following their Trade to Setico, being a matter of some 16 leagues, aboue the place our men liued at: these people when they saw our men make ready their armes, & prepare their peeces, to standon their guard, being so sew of them, not daring to trust the Portingals flattering promises, did not only put thē∣selues in companies for their defence, but likewise animated our men, to set vpon them, promising if they would giue the ou-set, they would prosecute it, to the confusion of all and euery man of them, in the same manner, as they before had dealt with vs, with great vehemency pressing them, as a thing they were especially bound to do, which our men refusing they inthemselues did carry towards them a kind of sullen, and insolent behauiour: so as their

bloody act, wherewith they thought to daunt, and discourage vs, in seeking or following of any trade here, and more securely to settle themselues, hath no doubt, (by Gods prouidence) if it be carefully considered and dilligently obserued, by a timely * 1.34 following of what doth offer it selfe, turned to the cleane contrary, and through their owne guilt, en∣forc'd them to auoyde the place, leauing it of their owne accords, whereby if wee imbrace the occasi∣on, many good and profitable ends may bee made, and this haue I truely related: the Portingal, who as he sees we prepare with earnestnesse, to fol∣low this Trade, with the like earnestnesse, will pre∣pare to leaue the Riuer, which preparations as I hope and desire, may speedily and earnestly in our Countries behalfe be vnder gone, and followed, so in his preparation I would be no hinderer, but thinke it a faire riddance, of a false friend, and so I leaue him.

The wandering Fulbie.

THere is one people more, dwelling and abiding among these Maudingos, and vnder their subiection, of whom it is necessary for me to speak, before I come to the principall. These are called Fulbies, being a Tawny people, and haue a resem∣blance right vnto those we call Egiptians: the wo∣men amongst them, are streight, vpright, and excel∣lently well bodied, hauing very good features, with a long blacke haire, much more loose then the blacke women haue, wherewith they at ire them∣selues very neatly, but in their apparell they goe

clothed and weare the same habite, the blacke woe∣men do; the men are not in their kinds, so general∣ly handsome, as the women are, which may be im∣puted to their course of liues; whereof I proceede to tell you; Their profession is keeping of Cattle, some Goats they haue, but the Heards they tendare Beefes, wherof they are aboundantly stored: In some places they haue setled Townes, but for the most part they are still wandering, vniting themselues in kindred and families, and so driue their heards together; where they find the ground and soyle most fitte for their Cattle, there, with the Kings allowance of the Country, they sit downe, buil∣ding themselues houses, as the season of the yeare serues, and in such places as lies most conuenient, for preseruation of their Heards they looke vnto: during the times of the raines, they retire to the mountaines, and higher grounds, and againe as they grow drie, and barraine to the low plaines and bottomes, euen to the Riuer side; that in the times of our chiefest Trade, their cattle are feeding by vs, and the women with their commodities daily customers to vs. These mens labour and toyle is continuall, for in the day time, they watch and keepe them together, from straying, and espe∣cially from comming to neare the Riuer, where the Crocodile doth hauur, and in the night time, they bring them home about their howses, and parting them in seuerall Heards, they make fires round a∣bout them, and likewise in the middle of them, a∣bout which they lie themselues, ready vppon any occasion to defend them from their roring ene∣mies, which are Lyons, Ounces, and such deuouring

beasts, whereof the Country is full, as when I speak of them wilbe perceiued.

This is the poore Fulbies life, whereunto he is so enured, that in a manner he is become bestiall, for I haue noted diuerse times, when we haue come vp in the morning, before his Cattle had beene dis∣perst, or gone to seede, when we haue called for the Mr, or chiefe of them, to make a bargaine for a beefe, or beeues, as we had occasion, hee would come vnto vs, from forth the middle of the heard, and those parts of him which were bare, as his face and hands, but especially his face, would stand so thicke of flyes, as they vse to sit in the hot Sum∣mer time vpon our horses, and teemes here in Eng∣land, and they were the same manner of flye wee haue, which the Fulbie would let alone, not offring to put vp his hand, to driue them away, therein see∣ming more senslesse, then our Country beasts, who will wiske with their tayles, and seeke any other de∣fence, to auoyde or be rid of them, but for our owne parts we were faine, during our parley with them, to ho'd a greene bow, to beate of the flie, fin∣ding his stay neuer so little, very offensiue. These people liue in great subiection to the Maudingo, vn∣der * 1.35 which they seeme to groane, for he cannot at any time kill a beefe but if they know it, the black∣men will haue the greatest share, neither can hee sell or barter with vs for any commodity hee hath, but if it be knowne the other will be his partner, in so much as when the men come vnto vs, they will watch the blacke-mans absence, or hiding their commodities, draw vs couertly to see it, that they may haue their returne priuate, and not sticke

many times, when he knowes the other out of hea∣ring, to speake many disdainfull words against him: And of these people the Country is very full, being disperst and spread in such manner of families, as I sayd before, ouer the whole Country; and higher vp in the Country, as we here, and I shall shew here∣after, they are in on part principall, and haue exclu∣ded the Blackes, holding domination amongst themselues, and for the most part continually in warre. The language the Fulbie speakes, is different from the black-men, the women are our chiefest customers, for in most places, within the ebbing and flowing, where we did lie for Trade, we should be sure to haue their custome euery day, which was to bring vs new milke, sowre milke, and curdes, and two sorts of butter, the one new and white, the o∣ther hard and of an excellent colour, which we cal∣led refined butter, and is without question, but for a little freshnes, as good as any we haue at home: all which they brought vnto vs, in great and small gourds like dishes, made vp very handsomely, and one thing let me not forget to giue them due praise in, that in what someuer you receiued from them, you should haue it so neate and cleane that in your milke you shold not perceiue a mote, nor in her but∣ter any vncleanlines nay the gourds, ordishes, they * 1.36 brought it in, on the very outsides would shine with cleanlinesse, and one the inward parts, without any nastinesse, and if at any time, by any mischance, there had beene a mote, or haire, which you had shewed vnto her, she would haue seemed to blush, in defence of her cleanely meaning.

In noting of which, I haue diuerse times sayd,

there was great difference betweene them, and the Irish Calios, although their manner of liues had great resemblance in following of their Cattle, and as they were out of heart in one ground, to remooue whole Townes together, which but few yeares since was the Irish Kernes true course of life; but-with cleanlinesse your Irish woman hath no acquaintance, and therefore I returne backe to my Tawny Fulbie: the commodities shee askt for were small beades, and poore knifes of 16 d a dozen, with other trifling things, but af∣ter they once saw and vasted of salt, which in their language they called Ram-Dam, there was no other thing could so well please them, although it were neuer so little; we found the variety of these things many times agreeable to our natures, and therefore gaue faire recourse vnto the people, for if we denide but one day to buy of them, we should want their company a weeke after, what earnest occasion som∣euer we had to vse them; and these things were to be had from none but them, because the Maudin∣go, or Blacke-man applies himselfe, at no time, in keeping or preseruing of Cattle, but leaues it to this painefull Fulby, whom I likewise leaue looking to his Heards, and come to the commanding Blacke.

The Maudingo or Ethiopian, being the naturall Inhabitants, distinguished by the name of the Maudingos.

THe people, who are Lords, and Commaunders of this country, and professe themselues the na∣turall Inhabitants, are perfectly blacke, both men

and women. The men for their parts, do liue a most idle kinde of life, imploying themselues (I meane the greater part) to no kinde of trade nor exercise, except it be onely some two moneths of the yeate, which is in tilling, and bringing home their coun∣trey corne, and graine, wherein the preseruation of their liues consists, and in that time their labour is sore, as when I come to shew the manner, you may easily conceiue; All other times of the yeare, they liue wandring vp and downe, from one to an other, hauing little vnderstanding, either to hunt in the woods, or fish in the waters; notwithstand∣ing, both the one and the other, in their kindes, are infinitely replenished, that to their very doores wilde beasts doe resort, and about their houses in euery corner, abundance of Ginny hennes, and ex∣cellent partridges. In the heat of the day, the men will come forth, and sit themselues in companies, vnder the shady trees, to receiue the fresh aire, and there passe the time in communication, hauing on∣ly one kind of game to recreate themselues withall, and that is in a peece of wood, certaine great holes cut, which they set vpon the ground betwixt two of them, and with a number of some thirtie pibble stones, after a manner of counting, they take one from the other, vntill one is possessed of all, where∣at some of them are wondrous nimble: we do per∣ceiue amongst them, that the ordinary people eate but one meale a day, and especially the younger sort, of what kinde soeuer; their houre of feeding * 1.37 being onely aster the day light is in, and then with fires of Reedes, without the doore, they sit them round, and fall to their viands, which for the most

part, is either Rice, or some other graine, boyled, which being brought vnto them by the women in goardes, hot, putting in their hands, they rowle vp into balles, and cast into their mouthes, and this is their manner of feeding: they doe seldome eate either flesh or fish, the rather because they cannot get it, then out of any will to refuse it: and although they are great breeders of such very poultry, as ate our Cockes and Hennes, and haue vnderstanding to cut Capons, yet they are great sparers thereof, and preserue them to sell vnto vs, for small peeces of Iron, beades, and such like commodities, wher∣of if we be furnished, we can want none of that pro∣uision.

They will say, their feeding so seldome, is a great preseruation of their healths, & at that time, when the Sunne is downe, a fittest time for nourishment, auoyding especially, to eate in the heate of the day, as a thing wonderfull unwholesome, wherein it may please you to giue me leaue to vtter my o∣pinion, which happly comming to be scanned by * 1.38 men of knowledge, may produce some rules of bet∣ter order, then hath hither-unto beene kept amon∣gest our Nation, which hath caused the losse of so many liues, and the dangerous sickenesse of o∣thers, therewithall laying a generall scandall vpon the countrey it selfe, to be both infectious, and vn∣wholesome for our bodies, whereas indeede it is our owne disorders: For the custome that hath beene hither-unto held, especially into this Riuer, hath beene without any diligence, to make choise of such Sea-men for gouernours, as were men of temperance, and commaund, who being able to

temper well themselues, might the better gouerne the rest, whose ill carriages may be thought to bee great prouokers for shortning other mens dayes: I will example it in this last voyage of ours. The Maister was a man knowne, for an excellent Arts∣man, but in the gouernement of himselfe, so farre from knowledge, that after our passage from Dart∣mouth, which was in October, vntill the middle of March after, about which time he dyed, it will be iustified, he was neuer twenty dayes sober, in which time he went not alone, but our Chirurgion, with sundry other officers that were of his societie, with their liues payed for their riotous order. And fur∣ther, whereas wee were diuided into two shallops, to goe vp the Riuer, the bigger whereof, the prin∣cipall Factor was to follow his trade in, and carri∣ed therefore in the same a Butte of Sacke, and a Hogges-head of Aqua vitae, making choice of such men as were the most able, and likeliest bodies to hold out, and he in himselfe carefull enough, as his experience might well aduise him, hauing spent many yeares, and made many voyages vpon that continent, to obserue both his diet of eating and drinking; yet towards his people, hee carried at sometimes, such an ouer-sparing hand, that they fell to practising how they might deceiue him, ma∣king vse of all aduantages, to steale those hot drinkes from him, which being purchased, as it were from his niggardly nature, they would diuide as a spoyle with great greedinesse amongest them∣selues, and thereby wrought their owne confusions, that of those people he carried with him, they ey∣ther died before hee came backe to the shippe, or

shortly after, some two at the most excepted, who escaped with dangerous sickenesse, whereas to the contrary (with thankefulnesse to God be it spo∣ken) my selfe going vp in the other shallop, and wherein I must take such men as were giuen me, not such as I desired, obseruing amongst our selues, a louing and orderly course of diet, wherein euerie man had his equall share, notwithstanding I went one hundred and fortie leagues aboue the other shallop, returned without the losse of any one man; nay, in all my going to the highest, and in my re∣turne to the Pinnace, I neuer had any man sicke, but vpon a second returne vp some part of the Ri∣uer, some of my olde men being changed, two or three fell sicke, howbeit (with comfort be it spoken) there was not one man died that went with mee, and for my owne part, through the whole voyage, I was neuer one quarter of an houre sicke (blessed be the name of God.)

Now for my opinion concerning our diet, I hold well with the Blacks, that to feed at noone, is an vn∣holesome thing, for that the Sunne, being then in his extremitie of heate, and by his neerenes hauing such power ouer vs, the moisture that lies within the body, is exhaled to the exterior parts, to com∣fort, * 1.39 and refresh that, which the heate doth drie, and then are the interior parts most cold, and vn∣apt for nutriment, wherein experience makes vs see, that in the height and heate of the day we can with great facilitie, and without offence, drinke off such a draught, or quantitie of Aqua vitae, or hot waters, as if we should drinke heere in our natiue countrey at one time, would certainely burne out our harts;

nay more, wee finde our bodies naturally desiring, and longing for the same, (wherein I might heere * 1.40 shew some reason, partly to blame a neglect in our owne prouisions, but that I assure my selfe, it hath beene rather ignorance, to know what was good, then want of wil to prouide it) whereas in the coole of the morning, and againe in the euening, wee re∣ceiue it with much more temperance, and a little gi∣ueth satisfaction, so that my conclusion is, that to vs that haue able, and working bodies, and in our occasions are stirring, and labouring in the morn∣ing earely, and after the heate of the day, are the fit∣test & conuenientst times to receiue our sustenance, wherin I shal euer submit my selfe to those of more able iudgement; and returning to the Blackes, let you know, that their vsuall and ordinary drinke, is, either the Riuer water, or from some Spring, how∣beit they haue growne from trees, seuerall sorts of wine, or drinkes, as also the making of a kinde of liquor they call Bullo, made and compounded of their countrey corne; whereof more conueniently else-where I shall effectually satisfie you: and now goe on to shew you, the manner of their building, and fortifications.

They place themselues in their habitations round together, and for the most part haue a wall, though it be but of Reede, platted and made vp together, some sixe foot in height, circling and going round their Towne, with doores of the same, in the night time to be orderly shut, some of the houses within their walles, likewise are made of the same Reedes; * 1.41 but the better sort do build the walles of their hou∣ses, of loame, which after it is tempered, and layde

vp together, carrieth a kinde of red colour with it, and doth remayne with an extraordinary hardnesse, that doubtlesse (as I haue carefully diuers times ob∣serued) it would make the most excellent and du∣rablest Bricke in the world, the whole countrey, ex∣cept vpon the mountains, yeelding the same earth, whereof I will not forget to report one thing, which (in my opinion) deserues admiration: we doe finde in most places, hills cast vp by Ants or Emmets, which we heere call Ant-hills, some of them twenty foote of height, of such compasses, as will hold or * 1.42 containe a dozen men, which with the heate of the Sunne is growne to that hardnesse, as wee doe vse to hide and conceale our selues in the ragged tops of them, when wee take vp stands, to shoote at the country deere, or any other manner of wilde beast; the forme of their houses, whether it be loame, or Reed, is alwayes round, and the round roofes made lowe, euer couered with reedes, and tyed fast to raf∣ters, that they may be able to abide, and lie fast, in the outragious windes and gusts, that come in the times of raine; for which purpose also they build their houses round, that the winde may haue the les∣ser force against them; and the walles enclosing and keeping them in, is to auoyde those rauening and deuouring beasts, which in the night time range and bustle about, wherewith diuers times notwith∣standing, they are much affrighted, and by making fires, and raising cries at midnight, to chase and driue them from their mansion dwellings. This for the meaner Townes or countrey Villages, but they haue likewise Townes of force, according vnto the manner of warre, they vse amongst them, fortified,

and trencht in, after a strong and defencible na∣ture; whereof (they say) the countrey within is full, especially where the Kings are seated, the ma∣ner whereof wee haue seene in some two or three places, whereof I will instance onely one: which is the Towne of Cassan, against which (as I sayd be∣fore) the shippe which was betrayed did ride, and we in our last voyage, did make it our highest port for our bigger shippe. This Towne is the Kings seate, and by the name of the Towne hee holdes his title, King of Cassan; It is seated vpon the Riuers side, and inclosed round neare to the houses, with hurdles, such as our shepheards vse, but they are * 1.43 aboue ten foot high, and fastned to strong and able poles, the toppes whereof remaine aboue the hur∣dle; on the inside in diuers places, they haue rooms, and buildings, made vp like Turrets, from whence they within may shoot their arrowes, and throw their darts ouer the wall, against their approaching enemies; on the out-side likewise, round the wall, they haue cast a ditch or trench, of a great breadth, & beyond that againe a pretty distance, the whole Towne is circled with posts and peeces of trees, set close and fast into the ground, some fiue foot high, so thicke, that except in stiles, or places made of purpose, a single man cannot get through, and in the like manner, a small distance off againe, the like defence, and this is as they do signifie vnto vs, to keepe off the force of horse, to which purpose, it seemes to be very strong and auaileable; consi∣dering what armes and Weapons they haue in vse, which in this place is necessary to be knowne.

They doe vsually walke, with a Staffe or Iauelin

in their hands, which they call an Assegie, being a Reede of some sixe foote long, the head whereof is an Iron pike, much like our Iauelines, but most of them very artificially made, and full of danger; others they haue also made, to throw like Irish∣mens darts, with heads all barbed, full of crueltie to the receiuer: each man likewise, about his necke * 1.44 doth weare, in a Bandeleere of red or yellow cloth, a short Sword of some two foot long, with an open handle, which Swords they make of the Iron is brought vnto them, as you shall heare when I speak of their Trades, and also the better sort of them, doe carry their bowe in their hands, and at their backe a case, very artificially made, which may hold within it some twenty foure of their arrowes, it is the smallest arrow vsed by any Nation, made of a Reed, about the bignesse of a Swans quill, and some two foote in length, there is fastned in the end, a small Iron with a barbed head, all which Iron is dangerously poisoned; the arrow hath neither nock nor feather, but is shot from the bowe, which is also made of a Reede, by a flat string, or rather sticke smoothed and made euen, and fastned to the bow, so that the bowe and the string, are one and the selfe-same wood, whose force is small, and therefore the offence lies in the poyson, which neare hand vp∣on their cotten garments, may make an entry, but to a Buffe Ierkin, or any other sleight garment of defence, except it be very neare, can be little offen∣siue: we haue seene of them likewise on horse backe, the horses being of a small stature, bridled and sad∣led after the Spanish fashion, each man hauing his Assegie in his hand, and vpon the right side of his

horse a broad Buckler hanging; and this is all the weapon in vse amongst them.

The Kings house is in the middle of the Towne, inclosed by it selfe, onely his wiues seuerall houses about him, to which you cannot come, but as it were through a Court of Guard, passing through an open house, where stands his chaire empty, vn∣lawfull for any but himselfe to sit in, by which hangs his drummes, the onely instruments of warre which we see amongst them, neither are these drummes without dayly imployment, for this is their conti∣nuall custome euery night after it seemes they haue filled their bellies, they repaire to this Court of Guard, making fires both in the middle of the house, and in the open yard, about which they doe continue drumming, hooping, singing, and make∣ing a hethenish noyse, most commonly vntill the day beginnes to breake, when as we conceiue dead∣sleepes take them, by which meanes sleeping one * 1.45 part of the day, it makes the other part seeme shor∣ter, vntill the time of feeding come againe, other∣wise it is done to that purpose in the night, to feare and keepe away the Lyons, and rauening beasts from about their dwellings, who are at that season ranging and looking out; for this manner of course is held amongst them, not only in their for∣tified Townes, but also in euery particular village, and habitation, whereof sew of them is without such poore drums they vse, and if they be, yet they continue the custome, through hooping, singing, and vsing their voyces, but when it happens mu∣slcke is amongst them, then is the horrible din, as I shall signifie when I ouertake their fidlers.

But first I am to meddle with matter of state, and acquaint you concerning their Kings, and Go∣uernors, for so I haue promist, the better to bring my worke together: In following of which, I shall entreate your patience to obserue with me, that the better to distinguish of their gouernments, I must deuide the Country by the Riuer, that how soeuer the Riuer trends, which in his windings is surely all points of the compasse, I shall alwayes call that part, which lies to the southward in our intrance, the southside, and the other the northside, of both which sides, although we haue seene diuers petty Kings, and other Commanders, to whom we payd a kind of poore custome, which in the mouth of the Riuer, where the Portingall hath vsed, is not onely greater, but perremptorily demaunded, whereas aboue it is lesse, and rather taken as a curtesie pre∣sented, which morall kindnesse requires all stran∣gers, comming in the way of amity, to begin with∣all to a principall person, then any manner of cust∣ome, that is (as we say) exacted, but how someuer both below and especially aboue, it is of that poore quantity, it hardly deserues the paines of so long a rehersall, whereby you may be drawne to conceit of a greater valuation: Those petty Kings I say, where of I both saw, had conference, and did eate and drinke within sixe seuerall places, who had the title of Mansa, which in their language, is the proper name for the King, haue all reference to their greater Kings, who line farther from those places; on the southside, the whole Country * 1.46 we past, euen to the highest we went, which you must needes conceiue to be very spacious, had all

reference to the great King of Cantore: on the northside likewise, from the sea-side, about halfe the * 1.47 way we went vp, they did acknowledge the King of Bursall, and after him, to the highest wee went on that side, the great King of Wolley: These three * 1.48 Kings we hard of, but saw none of them; the report going that they were such as shewed not them∣selues abroad, but in a manner of pompe, and that they were not seene to hunt, but with great number of horse, and especially on the northside, whereofdi∣uerse English haue beene eye witnesse; concerning Bursall, whose continuall aboode is neare the sea∣side, * 1.49 whereby some recourse hath beene vnto him, there is warres betweene the one side of the Riuer, and the other, and especially from this King of Bursall, in so much as the people would tell vs, if hee could haue any meanes to transport his horse on the farther side, hee would in short time ouer∣runne great part of that Country: the state of the great Kings, we may coniecture at, by the obser∣uances those small ones we see, doe assume vnto themselues, and those people they gouerne per∣forme vnto them, for there is no man, but at his first approach before them, where they sit com∣monly in their houses, onely vpon a mat which is spread vpon the ground, but presents himselfe with a great deale of reuerence in kneeling on his knee, and comming nearer, layes first his hand vpon the bare ground, and then on the toppe of his owne vncouered head, many of them taking vp the dust, and laying it vpon his bare-head, which * 1.50 action he vseth twise or thrise, before hee come at him, where with a great deale of submission, he

layes his hand vpon the Kings thigh, and so retireth himselfe a good distance backe, and if it chance in any company or resort vnto him, that there be a Mary-bucke, which be their priests, as soone as they haue made their maner of salutation, they al kneele * 1.51 downe, and hee fals to praying, the substance of his prayer, being for the preseruation of the King, and in the same blessing him, to which himselfe crossing his armes, and laying his right hand ouer his left shoulder, and his left hand, ouer his right shoulder, vseth the word Amena, Amena, many times ouer, which signifies the same as we say, A∣men, or so be it: Nay more euen among the com∣mon people, when they meete in the high way, and are of acquantance, hauing beene absent from one another, any distance of time, if there be a Mary∣bucke amongst them, they put themselues into a round ring, and before any salutation fall on their knees to prayer: The Kings respect vnto them a∣gaine, is onely nodding of his head, which is accep∣tably receiued, how be it in manner of habite, there is betweene the King, and his people, little or no manner of difference; which may be imputed to the necessity of the Country, because it yeeldeth but one onely materiall, to make apparell of, which is a Cotten wooll, whereof they plant great fields, and it growes vp as it were our rose bushes, yeel∣ding a cod, that in his full maturity, breakes in some part, and shewes a perfect white cotten, of which you shall find more written, when I come to re∣hearse what trees and plants wee finde amongst them.

Now for the manner of their apparell, it is soone

related, they being for the most part bare-head, on∣ly bedecked or hang'd ouer with gregories, as they * 1.52 are likewise ouer their bodies, legges, and armes, which word I will presently expound vnto you, but first tell you their onely garments are a shirt, and a paire of breeches, their shirts made downe to their knees, wide in manner of a Sirplace, and with great sleaues, the which when he commeth to vse his bowe or armes, he rowleth vp and it continu∣eth fast at the shoulder, his breeches are made with so much stuffe gathered iust on his buttockes, that he seemeth to carry a cushion, and after a manner makes him stradle as he goes, bare-legged, and without shooes, except it be some few of them, who haue a peece of leather vnder their foot, cut like a shooe-sole, butned about the great toe, and againe about the instoppe. The Gregories bee things of great esteeme amongst them, for the most part they are made of leather of seuerall fashi∣ons, wounderous neatly, they are hollow, and with∣in them is placed, and sowed vp close, certaine writings, or spels which they receiue from their Mary-buckes, whereof they conceiue such a religi∣ous respect, that they do confidently beleeue no hurt can betide them, whilst these Gregories are a∣bout them, and it seemes to encrease their super∣stition; the Mary-buckes do deuide these blessings for euery seuerall and particular part, for vppon their heads they weare them, in manner of * 1.53 a crosse, aswell from the fore-head to the necke, as from one eare to another, likewise a∣bout their neckes, and crosse both shoulders about their bodies, round their middles, great

store, as also vppon their armes, both aboue and below the elbow, so that in a manner, they seeme as it were laden, and carriyng an outward burthen of religious blessings, whereof there is none so throughly laden as the Kings, although of all sorts they are furnished with some, both men and weomen, and this more I haue taken no∣tice of, that if any of them be possest of any malady, ot haue any swelling or sore vpon them, the remedy they haue, is onely by placing one of these blessed Gregories, where the griefe lies, which they conceite will helpe them: and for ought I can perceiue, this is all the Physicke they haue amongst them, and they do not onely ob∣serue this for themselues, but their horses doe vsually weare of these about their neckes, and most of their bowes are hanged and furnished with them.

To countenance his state, he hath many times two of his wiues sitting by him, supporting his body, and laying their hands vpon his naked skin, aboue the wast, stroking, and gently pulling the same, wherein he seemes to receiue content, and because I haue named two of his wiues, before I proceed to any thing else, I will acquaint you with the manner of their women, the multiplicity of * 1.54 their wiues, and the wonderfull great subiection they liue vnder. The King hath an orderly allow∣ance of seuen women, which are called wiues; that is which are esteemed, and acknowledged, and with a setled ceremony amongst them, distinguisht from other women which he hath vse of, being ab∣solutely tied, to attend his only pleasure, and there∣fore

in relating of them according to our proper phrase, can giue them no other title but wife, of which it seemes he cannot exceede the number of seuen: for he hath the vse of other women, who are not of that esteeme, but rather as we may terme them Concubines, who are of a lower birth then his wiues, and these likewise are tyed vnto him, but * 1.55 not with that manner of strictnes the other are, so as it may appeare, they are rather taken for necessi∣ty then that it is a setled course amongst them, which word necessity I must better explaine, and therefore tell you, that it may and doth diuerse times fall out, that of his seuen wiues he hath none to accompany him in the nature of a wife; For vn∣doubtedly these people originally sprung from the race of Canaan, the sonne of Ham, who discouered his father Noahs secrets, for which Noah awakeing cursed Canaan as our holy Scripture testifieth, the curse as by Scholemen hath beene disputed, exten∣ded to his ensuing race, in laying hold vpon the same place, where the originall cause began, where∣of these people are witnesse, who are furnisht with such members as are after a sort burthensome vnto them, whereby their women being once conceiued * 1.56 with child, so soone as it is perfectly discerned, ac∣companies the man no longer, because he shall not destroy what is conceiued to the losse of that, and danger of the bearer neither vntil she hath brought vp the child, to a full and fitting time to be wea∣ned, which euery woman doth to her owne childe is she allowed, in that nature, the mans society, so that many times it falles out, he hath not a wife to lie withall, and therefore as I said, bath allowance of

other women, for necessities sake, which may seeme not ouer-strange vnto vs, in that our holy Writ doth make mention therof, as you may reade in the 23. chap. of the Prophet Ezechiel, where lerusalem and Samaria, being called by the names of the two Sisters, Aholah and Aholibah, being charged with fornication, are in the twentie verse of the same chapter, said to doate vpon those people, whose members were as the members of Asles, and whose issue was like the issue of horses, therein right and amply explaining these people.

And for the chastitie of the wife, their lawes and customes are in that kinde very seuere, for, being * 1.57 taken or found an offendor, both she and the man shee shall offend withall, are without redemption sold away, in this sort they punish all great offen∣ces, putting none at all to death, and such as these are the people the Portingalls buy, and ttansport for the west Indies, as before I shewed you; and this is the course held amongst them all, how∣beit * 1.58 euery man cannot haue so many wiues, but ac∣cording as he hath means to keep them, and wher∣withall to buy them: for first, euery man must compound or haue the Kings or chiese Couer∣nors consent, for any wife or wiues he shall take, to whom he must giue some gratification; and next he doth buy, with some commoditie, the woman of * 1.59 herfriends, and what hee giueth, doth remayne as we say in banke, if he should die, which shee hath for her better maintenance, or if shee please to buy a husband; for as euery man when he takes a maid, must buy her, so euery widdow, if shee will haue a husband, must buy him, through which occasion

of buying the women, may be coniectured, they yeeld themselues to that subiection, but whence soeuer it growes, I am sure there is no woman can be vnder more seruitude; for first they doe in mor∣ters, with such great staues wee call Coole-staues, * 1.60 beate and cleanse both the Rice, and all manner of other graine they eate, which is onely womens worke, and very painefull: next, they dresse both that and all other manner of victuall the men do eeate; and when it is so ordered, they do bring and set it downe vpon the Matte before them, presently withdrawing themselues, and are neuer admitted to sit and eate with them; nay I can confidently af∣firme, that notwithstanding I haue eaten sundry times, both at the Kings, and other mens houses, where the men and wee haue put our hands in a gourd and fed together, yet neuer could I see any woman allowed to eate, albeit I haue earnestly en∣treated the same, for amongst their many wiues, there is none of them, but haue one especially ac∣counted of, which hath a greater priuiledge by be∣ing about him, and more conuersant then the rest, which by vs (though strangers) is easily discerned, and therefore amongst vs we call her his hand wife, to whom wee vse alwayes to be more free, in those * 1.61 gifts we bestow, yet this wife is not allowed to eate in sight, but in another house, although she be pri∣uiledged of many other labours: neither are the men euer scene to vse any manner of familiar dalli∣ance with them, insomuch as I thinke, there is hard∣ly * 1.62 any Englishman can say, he euer saw the Blacke∣man kisse a woman. Againe, which is to be noted, notwithstanding this partialitie of affection, and so

many of them of an equalitie liuing together, it is neuer heard, that they doe brawle, or scold, or fall out among themselues, how beit it may be thought in matter that neare concernes them, they cannot chuse but haue many aggreeuances, contrary to our English prouerb that sayes, Two women in one house, &c. but there indeede I will make answer, That al∣though they haue recourse all day together, in his great or more spacious haunt, yet for the night e∣uery woman hath a seuerall house, whether she re∣tires herselfe, to giue attendance as his desires shall leade him: and as they appeare before him, in the morning, their salutations are vppon their knees, laying their hands vpon his thigh. And lastly, for her apparrell, it is loose clothes party-coloured, blew and white, of the same cotton stuffe the men weare, whereof the women commonly we are but one tuckt about their middles, and from the waste vpward, bare, in regard they are, for the most part, wrought, or rather printéd vpon the backe, espe∣cially in the higher parts we were at, insomuch as we haue scene some of them, with workes all ouer * 1.63 their backes, resembling right the printed lids and couers which wee see layd and set vppon our baked meates: whereof it appeares they take extraordina∣rie pride, because they will turne themselues, wee should take notice of it, and be very well pleased, wee should touch or handle it, as a matter to bee e∣steemed or set by; otherwise they cast another like cloth as they weare below, vppon their shoulders, which hangeth loose, and those be their garments, and without question, many, or the most part of them, very chary or nice in shewing of their secre∣cie;

and to conclude, concerning women which the country vse they serue in marriages: the man doth commonly bespeake the woman vvhile she is young, and not of abilitie, vvhich is done and con∣firmed * 1.64 by the friends consent, yet vvhen the time of her full age is come, or aftervvards, as they agree amongst them, the man getting his friends, which are all the youth; and younger sort of men hee can procure come to the Towne where the Maide is dwelling, in the beginning of the night, when the Moone shines, and as it were by violence lift her vp amongst them, and carry her avvay, vvho makes a noyse, skriking, and crying out, which is seconded by the other young maides of the place, and there∣upon * 1.65 the younger sort of men that are dvvellers in the place gather themselues together, and (as it were) in reskew of her, vvhile the other with great shouts and cries of reioycing, carry her quite away, to his place of abode, vvhere she remaines vnseene for a certaine time, and vvhen shee doth come first forth, for certaine Moones, she doth not shew her open face, but with a cloth cast ouer her head, co∣uers all but one eye, after the maner of the Spanish vaile, obseruing herein a shamefast modestie, not to be looked for, among such a kinde of blacke or * 1.66 barbarous people.

I proceed againe in the state of their Kings, there is no people in the world, stand more vpon their an∣tiquitie, and dignitie of bloud, then they doe be∣tweene themselues, insomuch, as once I had a quar∣rell grew in my house, betweene one of the Kings sonnes, vnder whose gouernement our habitation was, and another Blacke, who was a very lusty and

able man, called Boo Iohn, vnto whom for some re∣spects, we carried a more kinde of extraordinary af∣fection, wherein they braued one another, concer∣ing their dignities of birth, the one was better, and the other was better, insomuch as Boo Iohn with his * 1.67 hand stroke the other in the face, and thereuppon their weapons were drawne, and parties making on both sides, danger was like to ensue, but calling more of my company, with a small gunne I stept betwixt them, and made them seuer; how beit the Kings sonne promised to returne the next morning, and take reuenge if he durst abide him, which the other promised to doe, and accordingly, notwith∣standing all the entreaties I could vse, would not depart, but withall sent out for more people, who in the morning betimes came into him, all of them fitted with their countrey armes. And the Kings sonne also performed his word, for in the morning he came to the Riuers side, and called for a boate to passe ouer, bringing a liue biefe with him, as a to∣ken vnto me from his father, as he was many times accustomed to send, and there came likewise with him diuerse people, and all with armes. I was very doubtfull some hurt would arise, and laboured Boo Iohn to goe away: but all I could gaine of him, was, he would only sit downe in our yard, vnder the sha∣dow of our houses, with his people about him, and if no wrong were offered him, hee would not stirre nor giue no offence; and by meanes I wrought so with the Kings sonne, carrying him and his compa∣nie into my house, and vsing them curteously, that for that time I pacified them, and they parted quietly, howbeit not without threatning vpon an∣other

occasion; They doe distinctly know euery gouernement, who shall be King, and how the suc∣cession shall hold, for in their temporall gouerne∣ments, one brother doth euer succeed another, vn∣till * 1.68 that race be extinct, & then the eldest brothers sonne beginnes: and likewise they doe distinguish of gouernments, as they are in age. For there were foure brethren, the eldest whereof was the great King of Cantore, whom we neuer savv; the second was Summaway King of the next place, and he came downe and vvas aboard our boate; the third bro∣ther was King of the place where our Land-dwel∣ling vvas, being a blinde man, at vvhose house I haue sundry times beene; and the fourth brother vvas called by the name of Ferran, and had the go∣uernment of a countrey, vvhere vve had much and * 1.69 often trade, and for the most part, kept a Factor lying, and this, notvvithstanding hee vvas of great age, vvas the youngest brother, and as any of his brethren died, they were all to remooue still, giuing him the latter place: And this may suffice to shew their manner of gouernment; and for their seuerall Titles, they haue onely foure, vvhich is Mansa for * 1.70 the King, Ferran a second name, Ferambra the third, and Boo Iohn the last; euery one of these foure being in their places commanders aod gouernors: their greatest Riches consists, in hauing of most slaues, and from the King to the slaue, they are all perpetuall beggars from vs, hovvbeit small matters vvill satisfie them, except it be in Aqua vitae, for vvhich they sell all things they haue, and the Kings * 1.71 and all vvill drinke, vntill they be starke drunke and fall fast asleepe, so that to describe the life of the

Kings truly, is, that they doe eate, drinke and sleep, and keepe company with their women, and in this manner consume their time, vntill Time consumes * 1.72 them; with their great bloud and dignitie, whereof they so much eesteme: and with one example I will rehearse vnto you, I shal conclude concerning their kingly priuiledges.

The King of Cassan, who was dwelling in the Towne, as wee came vp the Riuer, with whom I spake, drunke two or three bottles of Aqua vitae, and had much familiar conference, who had liued in that place many yeares, howbeit hee was a lame man; after we returned downe the Riuer, and made stay at that Towne we found him nothing so mer∣rily inclined, as he was at our going vp: whereupon demanding among some of the rest the reason, they told vs, hee was to be put out of his kingdome; en∣quiring * 1.73 wherefore, they replied, there was another to come who had more right then hee, for sayd they, this was the Kings sonne, but begotten of a base woman, such as I described their concubines to be: howbeit the King left behinde him a sonne, who was right borne, but very young, which childe being now come to yeares, craues his rightfull in∣heritance, and the King of Bursall, vnder whom they hold, they could not deny, but had taken order to send him forward, so as he was lookd for euery day, and indeed, the second day after I was gone from the Towne, he came thither, bringing abundance of people with him, to whom the people of the Town resorted, leauing the old King, to whom notwith∣standing the yong King sent, willing him to depart, and goe away with his wiues and family before he

came, or if he•• found him there, hee should suffer death, which at the first he refused to doe, saying he would enclose himselfe in his dwelling, and die ther: but vpon better aduice, when he savv himselfe quite forsaken, he passed himselfe and wiues crosse the Ri∣uer, and left the Tovvne to this yong Commander, who after his entrance, our pinnace riding there, and being ready to come away, he sent for the Factor, to whom after some familiar conference, hee sayd, this tovvne and kingdome hath been lost, but here∣after you shall see it found againe, promising at all occasions his friendly assistance.

But before I leaue them, it were necessary I should acquaint you, vvhat manner of ceremony doth passe betvvixt them and vs as we meet together; the King is commonly sitting on his mat, laid on the ground, vvhich in our entrance he obserueth, not offring to rise; and in regard he hath nothing but his Grego∣ries on his head, vvhich are fast and cannot stirre, We do not vse to mooue our hatts, or vncouer our heads vvhen vve come to him, but dravving neare, * 1.74 somevvhat bending our bodies, vvee lay our bands vpon our breasts, vvhich he also performs to vs, and vvhen vve come neare, he holding foorth his hand, vve first take hold on the vpper part of one anothers hand, next on the lovver part, and the third time ioyne palmes, and with a full hand shaking one an∣other, downe wee sit by him, and after some small parlee concerning the cause of our coming, where∣in the kings part is performed in state, whatsoeuer he speakes being related ouer by another: out goes our bottle of Aqua vitae which must not be wanting, and a botle of Sacke too, it is so much the better, &

calling for a small gourd to drinke in, which is their richest Plate; I first beginne, and drinking off a cup, present both the cup and bottle vnto the king, the botle he deliuers presently to some one of prin∣cipall regard with him, who by his appoyntment, after the king hath first drunke, and he himselfe not failing of his next turne, distributes it to the whole attendance, who for the most part stand round by the wall of the house, one after another taking his cup, and then to the king againe. In their drinking I obserue one thing, that in regard of the goodnesse or the strangenesse of the liquor, when he receiueth * 1.75 the first cup, before hee drinke himselfe, with the same liquor, he wets one of his principal Gregories: The king many times calling for a cup, breakes the square, otherwise they neuer leaue vntill the bottle is out, and so all the bottles we bring, wherein we haue one priuiledge, for after we haue tasted the first cup, which must be of euery botle to secure them of danger; we need not vnles we please, take any more, * 1.76 but shaking of our heads when they offer a cup, it stands for a faire refusall, and so passeth to another; neither doe they suffer their women publiquely to drinke amongst them, except some especially respe∣cted, who may sometimes haue a cup, but euen di∣uide it among themselues, so long as the bottle will run, and their brains hold out, which being the true and proper element, they delight in, I will heere in in their hearts desires leaue them, and proceed to a more ciuill; I am sure soberer sort of people.

The discourse of their Maribuckes or religious men.

ANd so by order, I am now come to speake of

their Marybuckes or Bissareas, which we in our lan∣guage, may call religious Persons, or Priests of the country. The Mary-buckes are seperated from the common people, both in their habitations & course of liues, concerning whom I haue with dilligence * 1.77 obserued, that in their whole proceeding they haue a wonderous reference to the leuiticall law, as it is in our holy Bible related; the principalls whereof they are not ignorant in, for they do re∣port * 1.78 concerning Adam and Eue, whom they call Adama and Evahaha, talking of Noahs flood, and of Moses, with many other things our sacred Hi∣story makes mention of: their houses or dwellings are seperated from the common people, hauing their Townes and lands set out in seuerall within themselues, wherein no common people haue dwel∣ling, except such as are their slaues, that worke and * 1.79 labour for them, which slaues they suffer to marry and cherish the race that comes of them, which race remaines to them, and their heires or poste∣rity as perpetuall bond-men; they marry likewise in their owne tribe or kindred, taking no wines, but the daughters of Mary-buckes, and all the children they haue, are nourished and bred vp, vnto the ceremonies of their fathers.

But for the number of their wiues and women, they haue the selfe course, that I described before * 1.80 among the Kings, and temporall people, in the like manner amongst them, euery man in his dig∣nity, and precedence hauing more or lesse: where∣in there is no seuered towne but hath a principall, sor better relation whereof, I will declare vnto you the towne and place, where there especiall, or, as I

may say, high Priest doth dwell.

The Towne iscalled Setico, lying from the Riuer side some three miles: to this Towne I went, hauing occasion in following of our Trade, to lye with my boate so neere as I could come, my Guide or * 1.81 Conductor, was one of my blacke people I hired, called Fodee Careere, who in his profession was a Mary-bucke, and they are for our commodities to be hired, and will put their hand to any needfull occasion, like as any of the temporall sort would do.

This was the first of the Country, who euer I entertained and continued with mee, both vp into the highest part I went, as likewise all the time I followed any trade in the Riuer, with whom we doe agree by the moone, how much hee is to haue, which agreement he receiues when the moone is ended, in some commodity of ours which he de∣sireth, the valuation whereof, amounts vnto a poore summe: our continuance together, had bred such an affectionate league, betweene vs, that we were vnited as people of one place, and in those courses of trade we followed, I did not onely aske and require his aduise, but in most things allowed and followed the same: with that Mary-bucke, I had diuerse and sundry communications, concer∣ning their Religion, wherein many times he would wish, that I might once come to conuerse with their chiefe man, whom he called Fodee Bram, who * 1.82 would as he sayd giue me full satisfaction, concer∣ning their religious orders; and being now come to the Port of Setico, for so we called it, he was very importunate I should goe vp to see the towne and visit this religious person, I receiued his di∣rection,

what Present it was fittest, I should carry him vp, wherwith furnished, taking two of our men with me, one of them carrying a fowling peece on his necke, we came to the towne, but mee ting of some of the dwellers by the way, they had told vs that this Fodee Bram was very il, and dangerously sicke, whereat they seemed much to mourne.

Being entered the Towne, and come vnto his house, I found without many people, demaunding * 1.83 of him what they were, he told me they were all as he was, Mary-buckes: for by their habite they are not to be discerned, being all clothed in one and the same manner, as the common people are: I was intreated to sit downe vnder their open shades, which are made by the better sort of people, on the out-side of their houses, to take the ayre in; and in the meane time my Alchade, for by that name my hired Mary-bucke was called, went into his house, and in my name presented my present, ac∣quainting of him that I was the Captaine, and Commander of our people, whereupon he caused himselfe to be lifted vp from his bed, or mat where∣on he lay, sitting on the side whereof, supported and helde vp by three of his wiues, he sent out to haue me brought vnto him, and after our salutati∣ons past, he held me fast by the hand, giuing me many thankes, for that great present he had recei∣ued, bemoneing much his sicknesse hindered him, he could not accompany me, thereby to shew his respect vnto me, during our conference he caused * 1.84 a dinner to be made ready: I did conceite him to be daungerously sicke, for his hand wherewith hee held me, did burne with that extremity, as the heat

gaue such offence, that I wisht very willingly I might be loosed; I tooke notice of those women who held him, and to euery of them gaue a pewter ring, which both from them, and him was thanke∣fully receiued: dinner prouided, he intreated me with my Company: to passe into another house adioyning, which after their Country manner was prepared, and we had Hennes, and other pro∣uision brought in, amongst which one sort of sufte∣nance I neuer saw before, nor after in the Country, which was compounded of their Country graine, * 1.85 made vp in round cakes, resembling very much our English Ielly, and as our Alchard told me, was one of the principall dainties, esteemed amongst them; while I was at dinner, a messenger came from him, bringing word he was very sory to heare I fed not, and likewise by him sent vnto me a large hide, and an Elephants tooth of a good bignesse, as a gra∣tuity for the present I had brought him, (wherein may be iudged what losse I receiued, when the va∣luation * 1.86 of what I deliuered, and by him so much esteemed, did not cost here at home, according to our Merchants accompt, aboue the great summe of xviij d: After I had eate my desire was to go see the Towne, and view their dwelling, he sent certaine people with mee, who brought me through their streetes or housing into the plaine fields, where I * 1.87 might throughly discerne the whole Scituation, I did heedfully regarde it, for it did appeare the greatest Towne, or place, that I had seene, and the manner thereof in my opinion, was worthy the ob∣seruation: The towne was built round, after the manner of a Circle, whereof the front of the

houses, did not containe any great thicknesse, but as we may say, the breedth of a reasonable faire street, ioyning their houses or walles of their yards and barnes close together, the diameter whereof, that is from the North, to the South, or likewise from any one point to his opposite, we did con∣ceiue to be neere an English mile, within which Circute was much Cartle, especially store of Asses, whereby it may be coniectured, that they contri∣ued their towne in that sort, to keep out the raue∣ning beasts, and securing those Cattle they had a∣bout them, whereof at this place they had the greatest vse, I meane of their Asses, as I will relate vnto you, but first I must take leaue of the high Priest: after I had satisfied my selfe in looking a∣broade, I returned vn o him into his house, where I found him layd along, in extremity of paine, he seemed to labour much in his desire to haue had conference with me, saying he had earnestly wished to see me, that we might haue spoken together, concerning our lawes, and something he spake, but what came from him, was very vnperfect, which I imputed to the paine he endured, only I noted when he wold haue spoken of Adam and Eue, and Moses, & so I tooke notice of the names, in that manner hee might well perceiue, we had knowledge of them, he seemed to take pleasure therein, but the conclu∣sion * 1.88 with him, was to no purpose, nor worth reher∣sall: So that after he had made me to eate by him, a dish of excellent creame drest with corne after their best fashion, & a solemne farewel past betwixt vs, I left him. Not withstanding before I proceed fur ther, I will relate what I haue gathered of their pro∣fession,

and what they conceit of vs. They do wor∣ship the same as we do, the true and only God, to whom they pray, and on his name they call, in their * 1.89 language, expressed by the word Alle, insomuch as if he see any thing which begets in him admiration, casting his eyes to the Heauens, hee cries Alle Alle; neither haue they amongst them, any manner of i∣mage, or picture, or resemblance of any diuine things * 1.90 but as far as we can perceiue, such things are distast∣full vnto them: They doe acknowledge Mahomet, and are all circumcised, the manner of their circum∣cision, I refer to speak of in another place: their Sab∣both or the seuenth day is vppon the friday, and haue distinctions, and proper names for seuen dayes in their weeke, they reckon their age or times, by the raines, in saying hee hath liued so many raines, as we say so many yeares, howbeit, we doe neuer heare them call vpon the name of Mahomet, neither haue they amongst them any Churches, nor places they dedicate to holy vses, so farre as we can * 1.91 perceiue, neither do we finde that they celebrate or solemnize them Sabboth day, for euen on that day will they follow any Trade, they will haue with vs, and their owne occasions: without any inter∣mission, * 1.92 they haue certaine round houses built o∣pen, and are spacious, according to their fashions, wherein they teach their youth, the manner where∣of is this: All the male children that proceedes * 1.93 from these Mary-buckes, are taught to write and reade, and in regard they haue no paper amongst them, but what wee or others bring them in the way of Trade; and therefore is of esteeme, they haue for their bookes a small smooth boord, fit to

hold in their hands, on with the childrens lessons are written with a kinde of blacke incke they make, and the pen is in a manner of a pensill. The * 1.94 Character they vse, being much like the Hebrewe, which in regard I vnderstood not, I caused my Ma∣ry-bucke to write in paper, some part of their law, which I brought home with me, that some of our learned Schollers might peruse, if wee might by that meanes come to any better knowledge, then the small practise we haue hetherto had, and by * 1.95 men of our capacities cannot so easily be attained, onely this much wee discerne, that the religion and law they teach, is not writ in the same tongue, they publickly speake, and moreouer, that none of the temporall people, of what dig∣nity soeuer, are traded vp to write, or reade, or haue any vse of bookes or letters amongst them. And whether these open houses, they teach their children in, be places for their religious ceremo∣nies, and for their publike meetings, in their holy exercises, because they are euer placed, neere the principall mans dwelling, and as it were ioyning vnto him, wee cannot well resolue, but rather conceite the contrary, in regard they lie open, and are not swept, and kept with any manner of de∣cency, and therefore do rather thinke they make vse of the open fields, where vnder some spacious * 1.96 shady tree, they obserue their meetings, some part of the manner whereof, as an eye witnesse, I will readily recite.

The place where we had houses built, and walled with straw for our owne vses, was seated by the Ri∣uer side, vpon the top of the banke; and by the peo∣ple

of the Country, called Tobabo Condo, the white∣mans towne: some hundred paces within vs, from the Riuer, was a small towne of these religious peo∣ple, * 1.97 wherein liued an ancient Mary-bucke, called Mahome, who could not be lesse in apparance then an hundred yeares of age, from whom we receiued much relation concerning the countrey aboue, and of the abundance of gold there, which himselfe had trauelled and seene, as it is their profession to doe, and I shall haue occasion foorthwith to shew you: This ancient Mahome, was euer a faithfull and lo∣uing neighbour vnto vs, howbeit in regard of his * 1.98 age, he did not teach the children, nor was not the eminentest man of the Towne, but one Hammet, who was not so trusty a neighbour. The olde Ma∣home did diuerse times lodge and entertaine stran∣gers, that came, especially of his owne profession, amongest which, there had laine one night at his house, a Mary-bucke, who in the morning, coming downe to the Riuer side, close without our wall; hauing his slaues to follow him, who brought in his hand a great gourd, in the Riuer he filled it full of saire water, and brought vnto him, vvhereinto pre∣sently pulling forth all his priuie members, hee put them, without any nicenesse of being seene what he did, and after hee had well washed them, hee made him to throw away the water; vvhich done, and the gourd vvell vvashed orrinced, he brought him an∣other, filled also vvith vvater, vvherein he vvashed and rubbed his hands, and in the like manner it was throwne away, and a third brought, wherewith he washed and cleansed his face, all which performed, he making a kind of lowe reuerence with his bodie,

and laying his hand on his breast, his face directed toward the East, kneeled downe, and there mum∣bled or vttered foorth, after a decent manner, it should seeme, certaine prayers, wherein, after hee had continued for a space, kissing the ground, hee * 1.99 rose vp, and turning himselfe about, with his face directed to the West, hee performed the like cere∣mony, which ended, after hee had stayed, and loo∣ked a while vpon vs, hee returned to his place of lodging.

One ceremony more of their Religion, I will re∣late, if you please to remember, where and how I left the chiefe Mary-bucke sicke and full of danger, it did manifest no lesse, for in the euening, the day after I came from him, he died, the report whereof, was immediately spread ouer the whole countrey, * 1.100 who from all parts came in, after that abundant manner, to solemnize his funerall, so many thou∣sands of men and women gathered together, as in such a desart and scattered countrey might breed admiration, which I thinke was rather increased, in regard at that time he died, the moone was high, and gaue her light, and they in whole troupes tra∣uelled, eyther the whole night, or most part of the * 1.101 same together; the place or port whereat my boat did ride, was a Passage or Ferry to the towne, from the whole countrey, on the further side, whereunto belonged a great Canoe, which I had hired, hauing likewise another of my owne, both which neuer stood still, but were vsed, night and day in passing the people, none of them came emptie, some brought beeues, others goates, and cockes and henues, with rice, and all sort of graine the country

yeelded, so as there came in a wonderfull deale of prouision, my Mary-bucke entreated mee, to send * 1.102 something of sweet sauour, to be cast vpon his bo∣dy, which the people much esteeme of; I sent some Spica Romana, and some Orras, which by his sonne was thankefully receiued: the manner of his buri∣all, was after this sort, hee vvas layed in a house, vvhere a graue vvas digged, and a great pot of wa∣ter * 1.103 set in the roome, and iust after the same man∣ner, as the Irish doe vse, vvith a vvonderfull noyse of cries and lamentations, hee vvas layed into the ground; the people, especially the vvomen, run∣ning about the house, and from place to place, with their armes spread, after a lunaticke fashion, seemd vvith great sorrovv to bevvaile his departure. They also assembled themselues, in the most conuenient place, to receiue the multitude, and nearest vnto the graue, and sitting dovvne in a round ring, in the middle came foorth a Mary-bucke, vvho betvvixt saying and singing, did rehearse as it vvere certaine verses, in the praise and remembrance of him de∣parted, vvhich it should seeme vvas done extempore; * 1.104 or prouided for that assembly, because vpon diuers vvords or sentences hee spake, the people would make such sodaine exultations, by clapping of their hands, and euery one running in, to giue and pre∣sent vnto him, some one or other manner of thing, might be thought acceptable, that one aster ano∣ther, euery seuerall Mary-bucke would haue his speech, wherein they onely vvent avvay vvith the gratifications, vvho had the pleasingest stile, or as vve terme it, the most eloquente phrase, in setting forth the praises of him departed, in vvhich the peo∣ple

were so much delighted; another ceremonie was, that euery principall Mary-bucke and men of note amongst them, would take of the earth, which came forth of the place his graue was digged, and with the same water, which was in the pot, standing in the same roome, would moysten the said earth, and so forme therof a round ball, which they would * 1.105 carry away with them, and esteeme of as a great Relique: whereof my Alchade or Mary-bucke, be∣cause of those perfumes I sent, was admitted to haue one, which he so highly esteemed, I could not at any rate purchase it from him, although I made him offers, of more then I meant to giue.

This Assembly held, for the space of ten dayes, with a continuall recourse, of comming and going, but not altogether for the buriall of the dead; for after certayne dayes were spent in the celebrating of his Obsequies, then beganne a great solemnitie, for the establishing and inuesting of his eldest sonne in his place and dignitie: whereunto came agayne * 1.106 many gifts, and presents: amongst those that passed by me, I tooke notice of a great Ramme, which was carried betweene two, bound fast and layd vppon a hurdle. In the whole time I was in the Country, I neuer saw any Ramme, or Sheepe, but that which * 1.107 was brought very farre, his wooll might more pro∣perly be called haire, it was of that hardnesse: I did vnderstand by my Mary-bucke, he was to be vsed, after some manner of sacrifice, and I vnderstood likevvise, that in their high Priesthood, the sonne succeeded the father, & this course is held amongst their Religious orders, wherein they differ from the temporall gouerments.

It followes, I should now deliuer their poore o∣pinion they should concerning vs and our profes∣sion: wherein, with humble reuerence, I craue par∣don, that my hand hold in the least sort, be made an instrument, to shew or set downe, any thing opposite vnto my Lord and Sauiour, but by shew∣ing the weaknes of naturall man, and the wisedome that remaines in rotten flesh, the glory of God more perfectly appeares, to the confirming and comforting of euery true and perfect establisht Christian; when wee shew vnto them we honour and serue God aboue, and likewise his Sonne, who was sent vpon the earth, and suffered death for vs, who was called Iesus, by that name they doe not know him, but by the name of Nale, they speake * 1.108 of a great Prophet, who did many and great mira∣cles, whereof they haue amongst them diuerse re∣petitions, and that his mothers name was Maria, and him they doe acknowledge, to be a wondrous good man, but to be Gods sonne, they say it is impossible, for say they God was neuer seene, and who can see God and liue, much more, for God to haue the knowledge of woman, in that kind that we should beleeue it, they do wonder at vs; the ra∣ther they say, because they see God loues vs, better then them, in giuing vs such good things, they see we haue and are able to bring vnto them; and like∣wise * 1.109 they do admire our knowledge, being able to make such vessells, as can carry vs through such great waters, and how we should finde our way, more especially higher vp in the Riuer; when we talk of the Sea, whereof they are altogether ignorant, onely by the name, or word Fancassa, which signi∣fieth

great waters; thus like humaine creatures in darknesse they argue, being barred from that glo∣rious light, which shines in the east, whreof though they haue heard, they haue not yet made vse but no doubt when the fulnesse of time is come they shall; for amongst themselues a prophecy remaines, that they shall be subdued, and remaine subiect to a white people: And what know we, but that de∣terminate time of God is at hand, and that it shall be his Almighty pleasure, to make our nati∣on his instruments, whereof in my part I am strongly comforted in regard of the familiar con∣uersation wee find amongst them, and the faire ac∣ceptance I receiued: in the vpper parts I attained, where I had a people came downe vnto me, who had neuer seene white men before, with whom we traded with a faire commerce, and some sauor of a golden sequell: the relation whereof, will follow very speedily: onely it is necessary, I part not ob∣ruptly from my religious company, and to acquaint you that they haue great bookes, all manuscripts of their Religion, and that we haue seene, when com∣panies of Mary-buckes haue trauelled by vs, some of their people laden therewith, many of them * 1.110 being very great, and of a large volume, which tra∣uell of theirs, it is most necessary I acquaint you withall, in regard from thence proceedes, a great deale of intelligence we haue, and I may not let passe one vertue of theirs, the narration whereof, may make their intelligence somewhat more re∣spected, and in my poore opinion carry alongst a better esteeme.

It may please you to call to minde, when I left the

Kings in the middest of their cups, I promised to shew you a soberer people, which are these Mary-bucks, betwixt whom and the temporal people, is a wonderfull difference, the rather in regard they liue vpon one and the same ground, the tempera∣ture of the day being the same, wherein the desires of those common people, is for Aqua-vitae, and hot drinkes that they will many times pawne their armes, both their bowes and arrowes, and swords from their neckes sor that hot liquor, yea many times their clothes from their backes, to satiat and glut their earnest desires, which seeme to vs neuer to be satisfied: Now to the contrary the Mary-bucke, will by no meanes take or touch on droppe thereof, of what kind someuer it be, tying himselfe * 1.111 strictly to no manner of drinke but water, and not onely himselfe, that is the men, or malekind, but likewise their wiues and women, neither will or can at any time be drawne to tast or receiue any iot of this our comfortable liquor, nay more, they will not suffer none of their children, not so much as the little infant, who in the place we liued at, through daily recourse one with another, were growne to such familiarity with vs, that they would many times steale from their homes, and come and hang about vs, these smal ones we might not giue any wine, no nor any maner of fruit as rea∣sons, or sugar, or any sweete things, without great offence vnto the parents, and if hee hapned they found it with them, they would take it away with * 1.112 great displeasure, and although themselues were neuer so sicke, and in those times we would per∣swade them, how comfortable it would be vnto

them, we could by no meanes preuaile, to gaine any manner of inclination towards it, for exam∣ple, as I was trauelling vp the Riuer in my boate, vpon some occasions our people being in the wa∣ter, and in the shallow, leading vp our boate, a suddaine deepnesse, occasioned by a steepe banke, brought them beyond their reaches, and enforced them to shift for themselues by swimming: my Al∣chade or Mary-bucke, being one of them, who could reasonably vse his armes, was notwithstan∣ding taken in a whirle-poole, and in great danger of drowning, hauing beene twise at the bottome, * 1.113 but at the second rise, one of our men tooke hold vpon him, and with helpe, we presently got him aboord, being almost spent, and his senses gone, we earnest to recouer him, fearing the a∣gony we saw him in, got rosa-solis to put in his mouth, the sent whereof, as it appeared, made him hold close his lippes, that we gaue him none, but within a while he came perfectly to himselfe, and as it seemed retained the sauor, so as he askt whether he had taken any or no: He was answered no: I had rather (sayth hee) haue died, then any should haue come within me, although I am verily perswaded, the very fauor refresht, and did him good, wherein they haue a great resemblance to the Rechabites, spoken of in the thirty fiue Chapter of the Prophet Ieremy, who kept zealously the Commaund of Ionadab their father, from whence these may be lineally discended, in regard it is sayd they proceeded from Hobab, the father in Law of Moses, and Moses wife is noted to be an Ethio∣pian: And this is the principall marke, we know

these Mary-buckes by, that howsomeuer they cannot by their habite be discerned from the com∣mon people yet in offering them to tast, or drinke * 1.114 our foresayde liquors, they are presently to bee distinguished, which sobernesse of their, being an euident signe, that they are alwayes themselues: To which I adde, that as they do not loue, wee should promise them any thing, but be sure of performance, so in any thing we can discerne, we receiue no false reports, or vntruthes from them, * 1.115 with which confidence, I goe forward with the re∣lation of their trade, and trauaile.

These Mary-buckes are a people, who dispose themselues in generall, when they are in their able age to trauaile, going in whole families together, and carrying along their bookes, and manuscripts, and their boyes or younger race with them, whom * 1.116 they teach and instruct in any place they rest, or repose themselues, for which the whole Country is open before them, to harbour and sit downe as night or necessity ouer-taketh them, alwayes dispo∣sing themselues to some Towne whereunto they are not ouerchargeable, but only to rest their bo∣dies, in regard we see them alwayes carry proui∣sion for the belly with them, which we conceite is renewed, as they meete with some principall per∣sons, or make their Rendevow in some eminent place, this wee are sure that there is not any of them passe vs, but they will vse the custome of the whole Country, which is to begge without * 1.117 any deniall, and although to vs it is but a poore matter, in respect of the Trade we haue, much more what we hope and looke for, to giue vnto

them, or amongst a whole company, a quier of paper, which cost three pence, yet to them it is a rich reward, out of which they question∣lesse doe rayse the greater part of sustenance to trauell withall, and what else may be auaileable vnto them, making thereof, by writing in the pa∣per their blessed Gregories, which they giue and bestow as they sinde occasion, and to confirme vs herein, this wee note, that if wee haue occasion to send any of the Countrey people, of any message or employment for vs, after he hath agreed for his re∣ward, he will oke to haue a sheete or two of paper giuen him, which is to buy him sustenance, as hee passeth from towne to towne: so as you shall neuer meete with any of this profession, but in discourse they can speake of more Countries then their owne natiue places: one chiefe reason to encourage their trauell, we haue learned, which is, that they haue * 1.118 free recourse through all places, so that howsoeuer the Kings and Countries are at warres, and vp in armes, the one against the other, yet still the Ma∣ry-bucke is a priuiledged person, and many follow his trade, or course of trauelling, without any let or interruption of either side. Notwithstanding there is none of these Mary-buckes but goe armed, and are as compleatly furnished, as any of the other people, and haue the manner of vse and exercise of their weapons, in as ample manner as they haue, where unto I thinke they are rather inuited, in re∣gard of those wilde and rauening beasts, the coun∣trey is stored withall, that vpon any occasion, they may be able to defend themselues, and offend their offensiue enemies. To particularize heerein I may

tell you of those two ancients Mary-buckes, who were our neighbours, in the towne where our hou∣sing * 1.119 stood, who both of them would relate vnto vs, of infinite store of gold, which they had seene the Countrey aboue to abound withall, wherein the more auntient man, whom wee found so louing a friend, would speake maruellous confidently, how∣beit he would tell vs, there were a dangerous peo∣ple to passe, before wee came vnto them, and that the Riuer was so full of trees, we should not be able to get our boate along; and in token of feare, when I was to beginne my iourney vpward, and came in the euening to take my leaue of him; tak∣ing my right hand betwixt both his, hee vttered o∣uer it, diuerse vnknowne words, and euer and a∣none, would sparingly spatter, with his spettle vp∣pon it, after which laying his mouth close to my * 1.120 necke, ouer my right shoulder, hee would after the like manner performe there: which his superstiti∣ous zeale being assuredly done in loue, I did not contemptuously refuse, because I was ignorant of any offence therein, but with a friendly curtesie par∣ted with him, and my returne backe was to him as ioyfull; the other who was a more, or as I may say, most subtile fellow, promised to be my guide along, and to passe in the boate with mee, and thereby wrought vpon my willingnes, to embrace his com∣pany, to the seruing his owne turne, and getting from me many such gifts and curtesies, as otherwise * 1.121 hee could neuer haue attained, holding me in hand, hee would meet me at a Port aboue, but there de∣ceiued mee, to my further trouble, and at our re∣turne preuented, his cause was feare of the peo∣ple

aboue, which (God be praised) fell out to the contrary, whereof forthwith it will fall right to tell you; onely I must first say something, concerning the great Tovvne of Setico, and of the trade they follow, with those same number of Asses, whereof before I told you.

The inhabitants heere, who are all Mary-buckes, are the onely people, who follow a continuall trade from their owne houses dovvne to the King of Bursall, whose dvvellings (as you may remember) * 1.122 is sayd to be by the Sea side; at which place, the Sea shoare doth naturally yeeld great store of Salt, but it is a course and durty kinde, insomuch as the greatest part, which we haue seene, and taken no∣tice of, doth rather looke like durt, or Sea-coale a∣shes, then resemble the Salt we haue in vse, or make our trade withall; to buy which they carry downe, as their chiefest commoditie, the slaues or people of the Countrey, whereof the King of Bursall doth * 1.123 make such profit, as it is supposed to be a principall of the reuenew, wherevvith he maintaines his great∣nesse. This commoditie the people doe carry like∣vvise farre vp into the Country, for amongst them∣selues, we can perceiue they make little vse thereof, so as their trauell is long and tedious: the returne they make, is not discernd to be any thing but gold, and a kinde of Nuts they call Cola, which is in great esteeme amongst them, thevertue whereof I shall hereafter tell you: and for that it may be here de∣manded, what becoms of the gold by them brought dovvne, I will shevv you vvhat by report is told vs; These Mary-buckes doe hold an opinion, that af∣ter their death they shall appeare in another world,

vvherein this gold wil be of great esteem, and there∣fore striue to furnish themselues all they can there∣vvith, * 1.124 vvhich either in their life time, they secretly in the ground doe hide, or by their dearest friends cause to bee buried with them, esteeming them∣selues happiest, that can with greatest quantitie be furnished: another vse they make, is, to buy from the Portingals, a sort of faire, long & square blew stones, which stones their women weare about their mid∣dle, to keepe them from bloudy issues, vnto which they are generally subiect, the occasion rising from the men, as may be well supposed, if you but remem∣ber or call to your minde, after what sort they are discribed, and this is seene, by that esteeme * 1.125 the Portingalls make of that commoditie which brings (as I obserued) so great a store and quan∣titie of gold amongst them; other vse within them∣selues they haue none, but that the women weare it hanging in their eares, in rings, and pendants, made vp with little Arte, and as vnhansome work∣manship. These people of Setico were the most vn∣willing we should proceed in the search of the Ri∣uer, of any other, not onely telling vs themselues∣of many dangers, but at all townes where we came, and amongst our familiars, had left their perswasi∣ons, if it could haue preuailed to discourage vs; or whether they did verely thinke, our boate could neuer haue found passage, in regard it was neuer * 1.126 attempted by any such vessell before, or as I incline vnto, fearing we might be hinderers to the Trade, they had so long followed, and whereunto they were setled, being wel prouided with such numbers of Asses, as beasts of burthen, to proceed and fol∣low

the same, so as from them, wee could get no comfortable intelligence, vvherein reason leades the way, that euery mans profit is nearest to him∣selfe; but as it shall please God, to encourage you the noble Gouernour and Company, to prepare and settle your selues, with a serious resolution, to * 1.127 follow the farther search of this rich expectation: These people of Setico, of all other are the likeliest, and dvvell the most conuenientest, to be brought to a more setled, and commodious trade, which vvill fall vppon them vvith a great deale lesse trouble, and infinite lesse trauell, and vvithall be made espe∣ciall instruments of our good, whereunto as yet their grosse vnderstandings cannot ascend, and an∣cient customes are harsh to be altred, how beit these were the considerations that made me endeuour to settle a league vvith the high Priest, and establish a perfect course of amitie betvvixt vs: which course of mine, I shall more boldly commend to your faire acceptance, vvhen you shall see it grounded vpon the experience of my vvhole trauel and trade in the Riuer, and after my discourse and conference vvith that great blacke Marchant Bucker Sano, concern∣ing whom and all my proceedings aboue, I novv am come to make a full relation.

Our trauell vp the Riuer.

VVHen I vvas come to Baraconda, vvhich is the highest Tovvne the Riuer flovves vn∣to, and notvvithstanding all the discouragement I receiued, vvas absolutely bent to proceed vp the Riuer, by meanes of Bacay Tombo, a principall man

of that Countrey, who brought mee two beeues. I was furnished with two Blacke-men more to go vp with mee, the one a Mary-bucke, the other Bacan * 1.128 Tombo his kinsman, who he said had liued at Tin∣da, which was the place wee aymed at, not to the Tovvne it selfe, but to the mouth of a little Riuer, which was said to runne neare vnto the place, and from thence fell into the maine Riuer where wee were: Two Blacke-men I had before, that was my Alchade, of whom I talked, and a pretty youth cal∣led Samgulley, who from the first coming of George * 1.129 Tompson into the Riuer, had alwayes liued with the English, and followed their affaires, so as hee was come to speake our tongue, very handsomely, and him I vsed many times as an Interpreter: so as in all we had foure Blacke-men, whose help we could not misse, in regard wee carried with vs a small Cano, that was ready at all times to put a shoare: and when wee came to an anker, to fetch wood, or any other prouisions, as likewise to carry vs ashoare, and bring others to vs, reseruing our boate in the middest of the Riuer, as a castle and refuge for vs.

Thus vve being ten Englishmen, and these foure Blackes, went the fifteenth of Ianuary in the eue∣ning from Baraconda, and were going against the streame, vntill friday the twenty sixt in the mor∣ning, which was eleuen dayes trauel, wherein I de∣sire to be rightly vnderstood, that our labour was * 1.130 about foure houres in the morning, and foure in the euening, so as our vvhole time spent therein, a∣mounted but to foure score and eight houres, in vvhich time, our Sabboth day vvas obserued, one∣ly two houres in the euening, vvhenas my men car∣nestly

entreated to be going: in vvhich time vve re∣couered vvithin half a league of the place or Riuers mouth, vvee intended to goe vnto, and further vvee vvould not haue passed, nor endangered our selues, and vvhat vvee carried into the little Riuer, vntill vve had made triall of the peoples dispositions, and hovv they should stand affected to vs; vve met here vvith a shole, as I haue said in the description of the Riuer, vvhich stayed vs vve could passe no higher; vve concluded therefore in the after-noone, to send avvay three of our Blacke-men, vvho vvere vvilling to goe, directing them to Buckor Sano of Tinda, to vvhom vve sent a Present, and likevvise I sent to the King of the place, as the manner is; and gaue our Blacke-men vvherevvithall to buy them victualls, demanding of them vvhen they thought vve should expect their returne, they said Sonday night, wher∣in I speake after our ovvne phrase: and vvhile they are trauelling, it vvill be necessary I acquaint you, what were the grounds or reasons vve sought after this Buckor Sano, and laboured to get neare to this Tinda, making more especiall choice of him, then of any other man.

George Tompson, in his diligence, while hee liued, hearing of diuerse Carauans, that past in the coun∣try, and went downe to the King of Bursals domi∣nions for salt, had learned, that the onely and prin∣cipallest man that maintained the greatest Trade, was that Buckor Sano, whose dwelling was at Tin∣da, who maintained and kept too. Asses following that tedious trauell. Tompsons desire led him forth∣with, to goe finde this Marchant, and in a paire of Oares, as I spake in the beginning, went vp the Ri∣uer,

and trauelling some way by land recouered Tinda, but found not his blacke Merchant, in regard he was trauelled higher into the Country, in the sale and vttering of his salt Commodity: Thompson returned, but found his expectation so satisfied, in that he had hard of the Moores of Bar∣bary, and was come so neere where they frequen∣ted, that hee talkt of nothing, but how to settle habitations, and fortefie the Riuer to defende themselues, and keepe out other nations; but these his desires died in his vnhappy end, and this was all our acquaintance; which now I came to second, by sending vnto this Buckor Sano to come downe vnto the Riuer to vs, as the onely man we were willing to sell, and commend our commodities vnto.

And by this time Sunday night is come, and none of my blackmen returned, monday likewise all spent in expectation, on twesday our men be∣gan to grumble, and my especiall consort to speake out, there was no reason wee should hazard our * 1.131 selues by staying any longer, in regard it was fallen out, as we were told below, that they were a bloo∣dy, and dangerous people, and therefore those people we sent vp were murdered; and if we stayed our turnes would be next, and likewise that we had no flesh left, and our other prouisions were very scanty. I gaue them content with faire words, that the place might be farther of then they conceited, in regard we had beene on the toppe of the moun∣taines, and could discerne no likelihood, of Townes or habitations, of which we had had no acquain∣tance, since we came from Baraconde, and in regard the Country about vs was aboundantly repleni∣shed

with ali manner of wild beasts, we would try our indeauors, and on the wednesday morning I * 1.132 went out with two more, and killed a great and goodly beast, which was no sooner brought downe & cut out, & hanged to coole vnder the shady trees on shore, but there appeared in sight three black∣men, the one was one of those we sent, who had brought with him Buckor Sanus brother, and the King of Tindas seruant, and they came before to * 1.133 see vs, and what commodities wee had, bringing word that the next day Buckor Sano would be there himselfe; I had them aboord my boate, and made them curteous entertainment, giuing them some small commodities, and when the euening came, we feasted with our Venison.

The next day about noone, came Buckor Sano with his musicke playing before him, with * 1.134 great solemnity, and his best clothes on, and about some 40. more, armed with their bows and arrowes with him, hee shewed no more at first, bowbeit within two houres after, there were two hundred men and women come thither: he sat downe vpon the banke vnder a shady tree: after a little stay, I went a shore to him, and our salutations being past, I desired him to go aboord, whereof he kindly accepted; and withall shewed me a beefe he had brought to giue me for the pre∣sent I had sent him, diuerse goates the people had * 1.135 likewise brought, and corne, and cockes, and hens, so as there was no neede to doubt any more want of victuall: He carried no more aboord with him, but two after he was in the boate, I shot off three such guns as I had to welcome him, at the noyse

whereof he seemed much to reioyce, calling the report of the powder; by the name of the white mens thunder, and taking notice of the head, and the hide of the Deare which we had killed, which we shewed him was slaine by one of our guns, they * 1.136 sent, with admiration, from one place to another, and certified, that there was a people come, who with thunder killed the wild beasts in the wood, and the fowles in the ayre: Which for it was our dayly vse to kill one sort of fowle called a Stalker, which is as high as a man, and hath as much meate * 1.137 of his body, as is in a Lambe, which diuerse times we vsed to kill, and eate, more especiall we desired to haue his feathers, which grew on his tayle, which are of vse, and such as are worne, and estee∣med of here at home amongst vs: I had of my owne prouision good Rosa-solis, taking forth a glasse, I dranke vnto him, after he had dranke he tooke off * 1.138 his sword and gaue it me to lay vp, saying defend me here in your boate, and I will secure you on shore, he liked our drinke so well, he suckt it in, and as it seems not knowing the strength of it, took more then he would haue done, insomuch as he fell asleepe, the people that came with him, in the meane time cutting of reedes, made them houses, others fetching in wood, made fires euery where a∣bout them, so as it seemed a little towne; Buckor Sano slept foundly vpon my bed by me in the boate, and in the morning complained of his head, and this much I must iustifie in his behalfe, that during * 1.139 the time we were together, he was neuer ouertaken by drinking after, but obserued the course he saw we vsed, to take a small cup before meate, and ano∣ther

after, and this euer gaue him satisfaction: He desired to see all the Commodities we had, which he liked very well of, and whereas we thought our Iron would haue beene greedily desired, we found it not so, for they told vs, there was a people neigh∣bours vnto them who had knowledge to make it, howbeit they were diuerse times in wars together, but some of our Iron we put away, at better rates then below, by one third, and might haue done a∣way all we had, if we would haue accepted of hides, which for the reason I shall presently shew was re∣fused; howsomeuer this was the maine businesse, that after they saw our salt, no other thing was e∣steemed amongst them, which at first seemed strange vnto them, forasmuch as they had neuer seene any of that fashion before: the salt we had, was onely bay salt, which after they put in their mouthes, and rasted, they would looke vp and cry, Alle, in token of the good esteeme they had of it; After two houres of the morning spent, my Mer∣chant * 1.140 went on shore, keeping my gowne about him, which when the euening shut in, the night before I had put vpon him, and in a manner of state, he went one shore withall, wearing of it in that manner, it might well appeare, they were not vsed to such kind of ornaments.

The first thing he did, after he came on shore, he caused on to make a lowed outcry, in manner of a proclamation prohibing any of the people, * 1.141 to buy or barter with vs, but as he bargaind.

All that day hee found himselfe so sicke, after his drinking, that hee told me hee could tend no busi∣nesse, onely hee shewed vnto mee, certaine young

blacke women, who were standing by themselues, and had white strings crosse their bodies, which hee * 1.142 told me were slaues, brought for me to buy, I made answer, We were a people, who did not deale in any such commodities, neither did wee buy or sell one another, or any that had our owne shapes; he seemed to maruell much at it, and told vs, it was the only marchandize, they carried downe into the countrey, where they fetcht all their salt, and that they were solde there to white men, who earnestly desired them, especially such young women, as hee had brought for vs: we answered, They were ano∣ther kinde of people different from vs, but for our part, if they had no other commodities, we would returne againe: he made reply, that they had hides and Elephants teeth, cotton yarne, and the clothes of the country, which in our trade we call Negroes * 1.143 clothes: he was answerd, for their hides, we would not buy, in regard our boate was little, and wee could not conueniently carry them, but if they would bring them lower downe the Riuer, where our bigger vessels could come, we would buy them all, but for their teeth, cotton, and clothes, wee would deale for them: so against the next morning, being Satterday, we had a house built by the wa∣ter side, open round about, and couered with reeds on the toppe, to shadow vs from the Sunne: and * 1.144 this was our market house; when we came to trade, we asked which should be the Staple commoditie, to pitch the price vpon, to value other things by, they shewed vs one of their clothes, and for that they onely desired our salt, wee fell to loveing and bidding vpon the proportion, wherein we had such

difference, and held so long, that many of them seemed to dislike, and made shew, that they would goe away, but after we concluded, there was no more difference, euery man bringing his commodi∣ties, our salt went away, and as they dispatcht, they likewise returned in companies together, and still others came, that we had the place continually sur∣nished: We neuer talked vnto them of golde, the * 1.145 principall we came for, but wayted opportunitie, and notwithstanding we saw it worne in their wo∣mens eares, warning was giuen, none of our people, should take any great notice of it, as a thing wee should greatly desire, vntill occasion was giuen, by Buckor Sano himselfe, who taking note of our guilt swords, and some other things wee had, although but poorely set out, with some shew of gold trim∣ming, did aske if that were gold: hee was answe∣red, Yes: it should seeme sayth he, you haue much of this in your Countrey: Wee affirmed the same, and that it was a thing our men did all vse to weare, and therefore if they had any, wee would buy it of them, because wee had more vse then they for it, you shall haue sayd he, what is amongst our women here; but if I did know you would esteeme of that, I would be prouided, to bring you such quantitie, as should buy all things you brought: and if you would be sure to come still vnto vs, I would not faile to meete you. And proceeding further hee sayd: This Countrey aboue doth a∣bound therewith, insomuch as these eyes of mine (poynting two of his fingers to his eyes, as the Countrey manner in speaking is,) hath beene foure seuerall times, at a great Tovvne aboue, the

houses whereof are couered onely with gold: wee demaunded of him, how long he was going, and comming thither: he answered foure Moones; we asked him, if hee would carry some of vs thither, hee answered: Yes, but they had enemies by the * 1.146 way, sometimes to fight with them, wee shewed him presently our gunnes, and tolde him wee would carry them with vs, and kill them all, at which he seemed to take a great deale of content.

Before I goe further, I will take occasion heere to set downe their manner of trauell. They goe in companies together, and driue before them their * 1.147 Asses, whose ordinary pace they follow, beginning their dayes iourney, when the day appeares, which is euen at the Sunne rising, (for so neare the Equi∣noctiall, there is a short dawning, eyther before the Sunne riseth, or after shee sets) and continue trauelling some three houres, then are they en∣forced to rest all the heate of the day, some two houres before: he Sunne setteth, going forward a∣gaine, and so continue vntill night comes, when∣as they are sure to harbour themselues, for feare of wilde beasts, except in some Moone light nights, and then they will trauell the better, likewise when they come to some speciall Townes, they will rest themselues and their Asses, 2. or 3. daies together, laying all their burdens vnder some shadie trees, close to the town, set forth such things as they haue to sale, maintaining in the time they are ther a kind of market, & their asses being spāseld, which is their 2. forelegs tied together, feed by them, the people themselues, lodging among their burdens, vpon such matts as they euer carry with them; of vvhich

kind of Innes or lodging places, they can seldome misse, the Country being vvell replenished: So as if you please to obserue, although the time seeme much which is spent in this iourning, yet the vvay cannot be much, if you consider the maner of iour∣ning, wherein leauing to speake farther, vntill I come to a more ample application, I returne a∣gaine to Buckor Sano my blacke Merchant.

In our time of trading together, if it were his owne goods he bartred for, he vvould tell vs, this is for my selfe, and you must deale better with me, then either with the Kings of the Country or any others, because I am as you are, a Iulietto, vvhich signifies a Merchant, that goes from place to place, neither do I, as the Kings of our Country do which is to eate, and drinke, and lye still at home amongst their women, but I seeke abroad as you doe; and therefore am nearer vnto you, neither was I vn∣willing * 1.148 to answere somewayes his expectation, in hope I should better forward our owne endes. In our course of familiarity, after time I tooke some speciall note of the blade of his sword, and a paire of brasse bracelts one of his wiues had vpon her armes, both vvhich things did appeare to me, to be such as might very well be brought in their be∣ginnings, either from London, or some other part of this our natiue Country, I demanded of him vvhere he had them, he made answere there was a people vsed to come amongst them, whom they * 1.149 called Arabecks, vvho brought them these, and di∣uerse other commodities; we askt what manner of people, he described the Tawny Moore vnto vs, and sayde they came in great companies together, and with many Cammels: How acceptable this

report vvas vnto me, may be coniectured by any such, who are seriously enclined, to giue a faire and iust accompt of any such imployments they are in∣terest in, * 1.150 and whose desires, with affection, labours the full satisfaction of the trust imposed vpon them;

This his relation made it certaine, that these were the Moores of Barbary, the discouery of whose trade and trafficke, was the ground of this our being so high in the riuer: we grew to question him, how neare those people came to the place we were now at, he an∣swered, within 6 dayes iourney there is a towne called. Mumbarre, vnto which towne, the next Moone, these Arabeckes will come: we askt againe, what commodi∣ties they brought with them, hee answered much salt and diuers other things, wee desired then to know what they exchange for, and carryed backe: he answe∣red nothing but gold, and that they onely desire to haue, and returned nothing else; wee questioned him farther, whether hee would vndertake to carry any of * 1.151 vs safe to see those Arabeckes, and that wee might re∣turne without danger; hee stopt his nose betweene his finger and his thumbe: and cryed Hore, Hore, which is the greatest oath they vse amongst them that he would * 1.152 performe it: some other conference past betwixt vs at this time, howbeit by reason of a disaster that fell in the way betwixt mee and my chiefe interpreter, I was hindred from vnderstanding diuers particulars, wherein Buckor Sano, seemed very desirous to giue me full satisfaction, so as from him these were the princi∣pals I gathered, howbeit, another occasion fell, where∣by I had some farther relation, as in his due place shall * 1.153 follow; for the conueniency whereof, I must once a∣gaine with your fauour returne to a great company

on shore, who expect their trade, for this our confe∣rence with Buckor Sano, was aboard our boate at dinner.

The people who came vnto vs for the first foure dayes were staide here, came onely vpon that side our Marchant came; but one of our hyred black men, spake vnto mee, to giue him some paper, and beades to buy him, and two other prouision as they went, and they would goe seeke other inhabitants likewise who dwell * 1.154 on the other part of the Riuer, wherewith furnished they went away, and two dayes after returned, and brought with them diuers people, who in the like man∣ner, made them houses of Reedes, to harbour them∣selues vnder: These people had neuer seene white men before; and the woemen that came with them were very shye, and fearefull of vs, insomuch as they would runne behind the men, and into the houses to hide from vs; when we offered to come neare them: I sent therefore into the boate for some beades and such things, and went vnto some of the boldest, giuing them thereof into their hands, which they were willing to receiue, and with these curtesies imboldued them, that they soone became familiar, and in requitall gaue me againe, Tobacco, and fine neate Canes they had to take Tobacco with: these woemen were the deepest, and largest printed vpon the backe that euer wee saw. The men likewise shewed a more sauage kinde of peo∣ple * 1.155 then we had seene; many hauing breeches made of rawe hydes, either of Deare, or other cattle, the grace whereof was the taile of the beast which remaineth on the skinne, did sticke right forth vpon the hinder part of the mans buttocks, resembling the manner as the beast wore it, whereat those blacke men, who were

our hyrelings, would in scorne iest and deride.

The principall man of these parts, called Baiage Dinggo I had into my boate, and curtcously vsed, de∣maunding if hee did not knowe of our being there, in reguard we thought he might heare our gunnes, he answered they had hard the noyse, and were much a∣mazed, supposing it to bee thunder, being the more feareful vnto them, because the sound came that waies, it was not accustomed to doe: they were very desirous also to buy of our salt, and some of that little store we brought they had; which the people on the other side did vnwillingly spare; we bought of them such com∣modities as the rest had, and wonderfull desirous they were wee should come againe vnto them; the best of these women likewise did weare in their eares gold, and many commodities the women askt for, which we had not, but the men especially for salt: there was * 1.156 not so little, as 500. men and woemen, who came downe on this side the riuer, and it did plainely ap∣peare, both the one and the other side were of familiar acquaintance, in regard they did passe in our Canoe, the one to the other, and had neighbourly salutations together: and further wee noted, that the naturall tongue there spoken, was another different language: yet all the better sort did talke together in the same speech we brought with vs, & is from the mouth of the Riuer; their familiarite did assure vs that they had com∣merce together, which was an encourager to the con∣fidence I haue of the riuers continuance, and that they haue the vse of canoes aboue, to ferry ouer, in regard in * 1.157 this place where we were, although it was so shallow they might wade ouer, they were afeard to attempt it, dreading their neighbout Bombo would bee in the

way and hinder their passage: leauing them therefore safe on their one side, with a faithful expectation of our * 1.158 second returne, which we promised, and they earnestly desired, I crost the riuer to our first acquaintance; to whom was come downe the King of the countrey, cal∣led by the name of the King of Ielicot; who was the immediate King of that land whereon wee kept our trade: I went on shore, intreating him to come into our boate, and there we dranke: I gaue him a present which he accepted, and brought him likewise a shore, * 1.159 where he had houses built for himselfe and his wiues, on whom also some thing must bee bestowed; they brought with them commodities to barter, in doing of which, and looking vpon vs, they continued foure dayes.

Each night after wee had supt aboard our boate, where Buckor Sano did euer eate with me, nor during * 1.160 the wole time of my stay there, did hee faile mee one meale: notwithstanding I did diuers times send both fish and fowle vnto his wiues, so did I likewise vnto the King while hee remained by vs, which wee tooke with our hookes, and kild with our gunne. Our man∣ner was to go on shoare, and either at the Kings house, or Buckor Sanos, before the doore fires being made, and mats spread to sit downe vpon; the Fidlers plaide on their Musicke, and in dawncing and singing, and sometimes the men marching with their bowes and arrowes to shew their warlike exercises we spent great * 1.161 part of the euening, wherein with the small shew we could make, wee were not behind hand to let them heare our powder, and see our manner of marching; wherein they tooke much pleasure, and commonly these euening sports, cost vs a quart bottle of Aqua∣vita:

which made their tongues freer, and their bo∣dies fuller of agility; wherein alwayes they did striue to shew a desire they had to giue content vnto vs: I may not omit one principall manifestation: some three nights before we had finished all our occasions in this place, Buckor Sano being aboard at supper, by way of desire, spake that hee might bee called by the name of the white mens Alchade, in regard hee did performe the same manner of office for vs; that is, to make bar∣gaines, to deliuer and receiue, according to the trust reposed vpon him: I tooke it very kindly hee would accept the name, and to inuest him therein I tooke a string of Currall, and another of Christall, and put a∣bout his necke: he had likewise a small chaine of siluer put vpon him; then causing three gunnes to bee shot off, with a cup of Rosasolis drunke vnto him, with a * 1.162 great shot we cryed out, Alchade Buckor Sano, Alcha∣de Buckor Sano, that all the shore did ring of vs: hee presently calling to the shore, commaunded the Fid∣lers to meete him at the water side, and that his wiues should bring him thither, all the nuts he had, (which be of great esteeme amongst them,) I brought him on shore with as much grace as wee could, as soone as he landed, the people being all come forth to meete him, he gaue his nuts frankely, Distributing them about, in teste of his new honour, his musicke playing before him, he went vp to the kings house, whom wee found * 1.163 sitting vpon a matt without doores, with a fire of reeds before him, which is still maintained, by the light whereof they performe their ceremonies, and haue vse of no other candles: he placed me vpon the matt by the King, and going himselfe a certaine distance off, made a speech vnto him, the effect whereof was, that

that in regard we were staide, through want of water, from passing higher, and had setled our trade vpon * 1.164 his land, the King would deale louingly with vs, which he would not onely acknowledge with much curtesie himselfe, but speake vnto his King, whether we would haue gone to giue thankes vnto him, all which speech he performed standing: The King as hee sat made an∣swre vnto him, that hee did very well like of vs, and did desire much we should come againe, and that we should haue free liberty to kill any beastes, as also to * 1.165 trade or trauaile in any part of his countrey: vpon his curteous answer, Buckor Sano kneeled downe vpon both his knees, giuing him thankes, and taking from about his necke, the string of Currall, and the string of Chrystall, which I had giuen vnto him, sent them vnto the King as a courteous gratification in our be∣halfe, which hee receiued and put about his necke: Buckor Sano still remayning on his knees, to whom the King spake, that for his sake, and to shew his loue * 1.166 to vs, he would freely giue vs all that countrey we were in, and would deliuer it vnto him for vs, as the great King had giuen it unto him: vpon these words, Buc∣kor Sano puld his shirt ouer his head, which he gaue to∣one * 1.167 of his woemen that stood by, kneeling naked from the wast vpward vntill the Mary-bucks I had with me, and another that was with the King, had scrapt toge∣ther a great quantity of dust, sand, and small grauell, such as the ground in that very place afforded; where∣vpon * 1.168 Buckor Sano lying with his face downe flat a∣long, they lightly couered him, from the head to the heele, when presently hee taking his hands full of the earth, throwes it this way, and that way, after a care∣lesse manner, euery where round about him.

Which done, and kneeling vp againe, with his face towards vs as we sat in the mid way betweene vs, * 1.169 the Marybucks gathered together a round heape of the same dust, and with their hands made likewise of dust, a Circle, a small distance of, round about the heape, in which Circle, one of them did write with his finger, in the Character they vse, so much as the Circle would containe: this performed, Buckor Sano came vpon his knees, and hands to the heape, and stooping with his mouth, tooke a full mouthfull, which presently he spet, and spattered foorth againe, * 1.170 then taking both his hands full of the loose earth, hee came forward on his knees, and both our Mary∣buckes, with their handsfull in the like manner, and threw the earth into my lappe: which done, they presently rose, and two women came with loose cloathes, therewith fanning, cooling, and wiping the body of Buckor Sano, who retiring himselfe into his house, put on his best cloathes, arming himselfe with his bowe and arrowes, and someforty more in the same manner following him, came againe before vs, euery man an arrowe or two, ready in his bowe, marcht round about vs, twice or thrice: which done, Bukor Sano came to mee, and turning his face from me, kneeled downe vpon his right knee, putting his * 1.171 legge betweene mine as I sat, which his body seemed to shadow mine, presenting his bowe, and drawing his arrowevp, signifying, that so he would fight, and oppose his body, in defence of mine: then rising vp, he gaue away his bowe, and arrowes to another, and sat downe by me, so all the rest as their turnes came, kneeling either before mee, or him, performed the like action, and this was the manner of giuing vs the

Countrey, and deliuering a full possession; which bounteous gift, and great solemnitie, could not re∣quire lesse, then two or three bottles of our best li∣quor, which was accordingly performed, & set them into their ceremonious discourses, wherein because the night was farre spent, wee were willing to leaue them, and betoke our selues to our owne Castle, bee∣ing little the richer, for all that great gift, and spati∣ous scope of land, we were in that ample manner in∣dowed withall.

The next day amongst many that came vnto the place, we did obserue some, who were markt vnder both their eyes, with three blewe stroakes, resembling * 1.172 stripes, all after one manner, demaunding therefore what they were, it was answered a people who be∣longed to a King further vp in the Countrey, and by those markes they were distinguished and knowne * 1.173 from other people: This day likewise came vnto vs, an ancient Marybucke, taking acquaintance of our people, to whom he was very well knowne, I enqui∣red what hee was, and they told me, it was a Mary∣bucke, who did vse to Ferambra, and was acquainted * 1.174 with George Thompson, and that he had a wife in Fe∣rambras towne: which was within three miles of Tobabo Conda, the place where our habitation vpon the land was: and George Thompson did vse to lye at this Ferambras house, who had shewed him∣selfe a faithfull friend, in time of neede vnto him, and his company, and likewise confirmed the same vnto me, by diuers Curtesies, which past betwixt vs, du∣ring my time of trade in the riuer: I askt the Mary∣bucke from whence he came, and he answered from Iaye, a towne nine dayes trauell higher in the coun∣trey,

whether he was sent by George Thompson, and seemed to lament much for his death, hee tolde vs there was great store of gold, at that place, and that * 1.175 the Arabecks, which are the Moores of Barbary, came thither: we askt him, if he would vndertake to carry fome of vs thither, he answered, yes, if wee were but past these bad people, pointing to our consorts a∣shore, we told him they were a good people, and very louing to vs, shaking his head, he said immane, immane, which signifies naught, or the thing they like not: hee had two or three other consorts with him, and made hast to be gone, keeping themselues seuered, from the other people: during their time, of staye, he told vs, he was going downe to Feram∣bras, and by him I sent letters to our Marchants be∣low, which were very orderly deliuered, by reason he was in some feare, and came in the night aboard of vs, making such hast away, we had little conference; but meeting of him afterwards in my trade at Setico, I had a full and large discourse, and receiued the in∣telligence which I will now recite: Hee told me that not farre from Iaye, there were a people who would * 1.176 not bee seene, and that the salt was carryed vnto them, and how, the Arabecks, had all their gold from them, although they did neuer see them: de∣manding the cause, hee made a signe vnto his lippe, and could receiue no farther answer, he saide likewise, if we could haue gone further vp the Riuer with our boare, many people would haue come vnto vs, and brought great store of gold; and to the place where we did staye, hee saide, many people were com∣ming downe, both from Iaye, and many other townes, but that they were sent backe againe, by

such as had gone from vs, and told our salt vvas end∣ded, vve askt him, as vve had done Buckor Sano and others, if they had a towne called Tombutto, that * 1.177 name thcy knevv not, but a towne called Tombocon∣da, they saide vvas neerer vvhere vve vvere then Fay: the pronuntiation of vvhich two places, as Tombo∣conda for Tombutto, and Fay for Gago, may if there∣be such two places, carry some resemblance, vvhere∣in I stand to put forth this question, vvho should hee be that directs these names, being it is apparent neuer vvhite men either by land or vvater vvere vp this * 1.178 countrey so farre but vve: this man likewise tolde vs of the houses couered vvith gold, and many strong in∣couragements to inuite vs on, especially to goe sur∣ther vp the Riuer.

To this let me novv set downe, although not able to name particular authours, vvhat is the generall re∣port for the Moore of Barbary his trade. That it is certaine vvhen they come vp into the country vvhere * 1.179 they haue their chiefest trade; they doe obserue one set time and day, to be at a certaine place, vvhereas houses are appointed for them, vvherein they finde no body, nor haue sight of any persons. At this place they doe vnlade their commodities; and laying their salt in seuerall heapes, and likewise setting their beades, bracelets, and any other commodities in parcells together, they depart, and remaine away a vvhole day, in vvhich day comes the people they trade vvithall, and to each seuerall layes dovvne a pro∣portion of gold, as he valewes it, and leauing both the commodity and the gold goes his vvayes: the Merchant returning againe, as hee accepts of the bar∣gaine, takes avvay the gold and lets the commodity

remaine, or if he finde there is to little left, diuides his commodity into another part; for which he will haue more, at the vnknowne peoples returne, they take to themselues, where they see the gold is gone, and either lay more gold or take away what was laid before, and remaines in suspence: so that at the Mar∣chants third time, his bargaine is finished, for either he findes more gold, or the first taken away, and his commodity lest, and this it is saide, they haue a iust manner of trading and neuer see one another: * 1.180 to which is added, that the reason why these people will not be seene, is for that they are naturally borne, with their lower lippe of that greatnesse, it turnes a∣gaine, and couers the greater part of their bosome, and remaines with that rawnesse on the side that hangs downe, that through occasion of the Sunnes extreame heate, it is still subiect to putrifaction, so as they haue no meanes to preserue themselues, but by continuall casting salt vpon it, and this is the reason, salt is so pretious amongst them: their countrey bee∣ing so farre vp in the land, naturally yeeldes none. And this carryes some appearance by what wee are able to say; for first out of our owne experience wee * 1.181 find that these people, who trade with vs for our salt, haue for their owne occasions little or no vse thereof, and being demanded what they doe with it, they doe not deny to tell vs they carry it vp further into the countrey, vnto another people, to whom they do sell and vent the same: which still are good inducements to follovv a further search, and therein to neglect no time, but diligently to follovv the occasions already obtained, vvhich is the loue of these people, vvho vvere held so dangerous, vvho vvere so earnest for our

comming againe, and to hold a certaine course of trade vvith them, vvhich by vs vvas faithfully promi∣sed, vvherein the Aduenturers haue this strong encou∣ragement, that if vve should attaine no further then amongst these people the gaine is knowne to bee great vpon our exchanges, and fitted accordingly to carry a good proportion will yeeld a valuable re∣turne to the full satisfaction a reasonable desire * 1.182 may aime at: but if it please God to prosper the dis∣couery, and that we meete with any place of habita∣tion againe by the riuer side, which may bee a conue∣nient seate of residence to maintaine a setled trade in, there can be no opposition to gainesay it must be the greatest and gainfullest trade, considering the short returne that euer fell into our little Iland: which commending to your worthy consideration I will conclude my discourse of trading, with the curte∣ous farewell that past betwixt our blacke Marchant Buckor Sano and vs. They were earnest we would giue a name vnto the place wee traded in, that might re∣maine as a memoriall of of our being there, I called it by the name of Saint Iohns Mart, which they repea∣ted * 1.183 diuerse times ouer to be perfect in: and when our salt was gone, seeing vs hast away, which wee were carefull to doe, fearing lesse water in the riuer, hee in his affection would needes desire to goe some little way along in our great boate, passing about a mile * 1.184 with vs, with curteous embracings we parted, shoo∣ting off three gunnes for his farewell, not forgetting the drinking of three or foure cuppes, and so put him on the shore: from whence by holding vp his armes, he againe saluted vs, and with his hopefull expectati∣on to see vs there againe, I will let him rest, and

according to my course propounded fall vppon a merrier company, which is their Iuddies, or as wee may terme them, Fidlers of the Countrey, neither the musike they make or instruments they play vp∣pon, deseruing to haue a better title: and may sort also reasonable well to the company, because at all especiall meetings their diuell Ho-re makes on the relation whereof I proceed vnto.

There is, without doubt, no people on the earth more naturally affected to the sound of musicke then these people; which the principall persons do hold as an ornament of their state, so as when wee come to see them, their musicke will seldome be wanting, wherein they haue a perfect resemblance to the Irish Rimer sitting in the same maner as they * 1.185 doe vpon the ground, some what remote from the company; and as they vse singing of Songs vnto their musicke, the ground and effect whereof is the rehearsall of the auncient stocke of the King, exalt∣ing his antientry, and recounting ouer all the wor∣thy and famous acts by him or them hath been at∣chieued: singing likewise extempore vpon any oc∣casion is offered, whereby the principall may bee pleased; wherein diuerse times they will not for∣get in our presence to sing in the praise of vs white men, for which he will expect from vs some man∣ner of gratification. Also, if at any time the Kings or principall persons come vnto vs trading in the Riuer, they will haue their musicke playing before them, and will follow in order after their manner, presenting a shew of State. They haue little varie∣tie of instruments, that which is most common in vse, is made of a great gourd, and a necke thereun∣to

fastned, resembling, in some sort, our Bandora; but they haue no manner offret, and the strings they are either such as the place yeeldes or their * 1.186 inuention can attaine to make, being very vnapt to yeeld a sweete and musicall sound, notwithstan∣ding with pinnes they winde and bring to agree in tunable notes, hauing not aboue sixe strings vpon their greatest instrument: In consortship with this they haue many times another who playes vpon a little drumme which he holds vnder his lest arme, and with a crooked sticke in his right hand, and his naked fingers on the left he strikes the drumme, & * 1.187 with his mouth gaping open, makes a rude noyse, resembling much the manner and countenance of those kinde of distressed people which amongst vs are called Changelings; I do the rather recite this that it may please you to marke, what opinion the people haue of the men of this profession, and how they dispose of them after they are dead: but first I would acquaint you of their most principall instru∣ment, * 1.188 which is called Ballards made to stand a foot aboue the ground, hollow vnder, and hath vppon the top some seuenteene woodden keyes standing like the Organ, vpon which hee that playes sitting vpon the ground, iust against the middle of the in∣strument, strikes with a sticke in either hand, about a foote long, at the end whereof is made fast a round ball, couered with some soft stuffe, to auoyd the clattering noyse the bare stickes would make: and vpon either arme hee hath great rings of Iron: out of which are wrought pretty hansomly smaller Irons to stand out, who hold vpon them smaller rings and iuggling toyes, which as hee stirreth his

armes, makes a kinde of musicall sound agreeing to their barbarous content: the sound that proceeds from this instrument is worth the obseruing, for we can heare it a good English mile, the making of this instrument being one of the most ingenious things amongst them: for to euery one of these keyes there belongs a small Iron the bignesse of a quill, and is a foote long, the breadth of the instru∣ment, * 1.189 vpon which hangs two gourdes vnder the hollow, like bottles, who receiues the sound, and returnes it againe with that extraordinary loud∣nesse; there are not many of these, as we can per∣ceiue, because they are not common, but when they doe come to any place, the resort vnto them is to be admired; for both day and night, more especi∣ally all the night the people continue dauncing, vn∣till * 1.190 he that playes be quite tyred out; the most de∣sirous of dancing are the women, who dance with∣out men, and but one alone, with crooked knees and bended bodies they foot it nimbly, while the standers by seeme to grace the dancer, by clapping their hands together after the manner of keeping time; and when the men dance they doe it with their swords naked in their hands, with which they vse some action, and both men a•••• women when they haue ended their first dance 〈…〉〈…〉giue somewhat vnto the player: whereby they are held and estee∣med amongst them to be rich; and their wiues haue * 1.191 more Cristall blew stones and beades about them, then the Kings wiues: but if there be any licentious libertie, it is vnto these women, whose outward carriage is such wee may well conceit it: and this one especiall note, howsoeuer the people affect mu∣sicke,

yet so basely doe they esteeme of the player, that when any of them die, they doe not vouchsafe them buriall, as other people haue; but set his dead corps vpright in a hollow tree, where hee is left to consume: when they haue beene demanded a rea∣son for so doing, they will answer, they are a peo∣ple, * 1.192 who haue alwayes a familiar conuersation with their diuell Ho-re: and therefore they doe so dis∣pose of them: which opinion of theirs caused vs to neglect and especially in their hearing to play vpon any Lute or Instrument which some of vs for our priuate exercise did carry with vs, in regard if they had hapned to see vs, they would in a manner of scorne say, hee that played was a Iuddy: The grea∣test resort of people, with the most aboundance of these Iuddies, is at their times of Cricumcision, wherein they obserue one due season, and for that I desire heerein to giue a full relation, I will follow my discourse with what I saw, and as an eye-witnes am able to deliuer.

I haue set downe before, where I report the man∣ner of our going vp the riuer, that I carried with me foure blackes; whereof the one was a boy, or young youth, whom I call by the name of Samgully; who in reguard of his continuance with George Tompson, and after him with the rest of our compa∣ny, had learnd to speake pretty Englis; and with∣all had taken such an affection towards vs; that he did seeme euen hartely to neglect father and mother, and his owne home, in his desires to follow vs: he was about the age of 17. yeeres, a straight youth∣and of a handsome grovvth; yet was he not circum∣cised: how beit hee should haue beene the yeere be∣fore,

but his absence with the white people, which was some of our company, when the time of cir∣cumcision came, was the only cause he mist cutting them: and this yeere hee was to bee circumcised, or else there was some great penalty to light vpon his friends, or danger to himselfe; which appeared in their earnestnesse to keepe him from going vp with vs; notwithstanding, hee was stollen beyond the towne his friends dwelt in with vs, as farre as our boate would goe in two tides; and there ouertooke vs his mother: who on the shore made grieuous * 1.193 moane to haue him sent backe, the boy had spide her, and hid himselfe in the boate, bidding vs say that he was gone backe, and albeit her moane vvas great, because shee saide, he would be absent againe in the time of circumcision, which would bee the next Moone; and if vvee vvould not put him on shore, she vvould throw her selfe from the banke in∣to the riuer; the boy lying along in the boate, said, she will not drowne, shee will not drowne, let vs bee gone; and alongst he went with vs: It was the eight day of Ianuary when his mother made this moane, and the ninth day of February after we came by that place againe, and that euening, as the Sunne set, came to an anker at the port that belonged to the towne where the boyes friends dwelt, which was called Boo Iohns towne, a man whom we did well af∣fect: * 1.194 the towne stood some mile from the water side to carry the boy home, and refresh our selues, wee were willing to walke on shore.

So taking our Chirurgion, and one more of my consorts, with our blacke Alchade, who wee hired from this town, wherein his mother likewise dwelt,

and our blacke boy, ashore we went, the bakne was high from the riuer; which the boy first gat vp, where presently ascended, he began to leape and sing, ma∣king great shewes of ioy, holding vp his hand, and pointing towards the towne, which as I said was a * 1.195 mile from vs: but when wee likewise ascended, wee heard a great noyse of musicke and shooting, where at the boy so much reioyced, and said it was the cutting of Prickes; for so hee cald it, and that hee was come time enough: vvee vvalkt towards the towne, and as the euening went in came thither, I had an intent to haue gone to the Maister of the towne his house; but my Mary-bucke told mee, hee had a world of strangers, and vvas earnest vvith mee to goe to his mothers house; vve vvere also to passe by the house vvhere our blacke boies father and mo∣ther dwelt: the father in regard he vvas blind, and kept house, vve saw not; but his mother being with∣in, and hearing one call her sons name, came forth and met him, and presently turning her head to the side of the house, fell into a bitter vveeping, calling onely vpon his name, Samgulley, Samgulley; I vvould haue had the boy alongst vvhere I lay, but hee vvas * 1.196 taken from vs, and not suffered to goe; howbeit I charged him he shold not be cut, which as they told vs, was to be done in the morning; vntill I came to see him, which he promised, and so we departed to our lodging: at which place likewise was many peo∣ple, and much musicke; but after a while that wee had beene there, they all quitted the place, shew∣ing a kind of modesttie, not to disturbe vs. There was no housing, nor dwellings, but was full of peo∣ple; nay likewise, vnder euery shady and conuenient

tree, there was great syres, whereas there was, their pots a seething, and their victuals adressing, and also their mats laid, to take vp their lodging, sorting themselues together in great companies, and in most places, hauing musicke, drumming, and daun∣cing; making such a noyse and din, as might well proceede from such kinde of Actors: and a∣mongst them likewise they had commerce, one * 1.197 thing for another, so as it had a manner of resem∣blance to our fayres here in England; neither was there want of any manner of prouision, for as much as all kind of people that came thither, brought some manner of sustenance with them, and the peo∣ple of the place, did prouide and reserue themselues against this time, so as I may well say it had a right resemblance to our countrey martes:

Amongst the rest of these dispersed companies; I tooke speciall notice of one, who stood more re∣mote, and was closde and seuered in, vnder the sha∣dy trees, which reedes, and bowes set vp together like a hedge, from whence proceeded, a greater noyse of voyces; as also drumming, and thumping, mor clamorosly: demaunding what it meant, I vvas answered, in that place remained those youthes that * 1.198 were cut, and they were to continue vntil such time as they were recouered of their sorenes, and that the greatnesse of the noyse did come from those peo∣ple vvho kept them company, vvhich vvere the yon∣ger sort of people, aboue their age; who had alrea∣dy past, and receiued their circumcision: I went likewise that night, after vve had supt, to the maister of the townes house; vvho had sent vnto mee to mend my supper, a brace of Partidges, and finding

there the Ballards, or best musicke, and the younger sort of women gathered together beheld their dan∣cing, and for that they might see we had such plea∣sures amongst vs; I tooke one of them by the hand, and daunced with her, whereof th y gaue testimo∣ny * 1.199 of great gladnes, inuiting the rest of my company to doe the like: Boo Iohn the maister of the place, excusing himselfe that we lay not at his house, in re∣gard of much company and noyse: but more espe∣cially, because one of his wiues was lately deliuered of a child, vnto whom he carried me within a house by herselfe, where she lay after their fashion vpon a mat handsomely; I gaue vnto the mother for the childe, a few poore beades, which were very thank∣fully taken, and he said, if it had beene a man child, it should haue had one of our co upanies name, with whom he had beene longest acquainted; but saith he, my wife Dowry is vvith child, and if shee bring a man child, it shall carry your name; for so shee ear∣nestly desires: these familiarities past betwixt vs, af∣ter vvhich wee betooke our selues to our seuerall lodgings, and were nothing frighted vvith the roa∣ring cry of their diuell; vvho at these ceremonious meetings so soone as euening comes is conuersant by his roaring voyce amongst them, and so conti∣nues all, or the most part of the night, vvhereof I shall presently giue you relation: But first, I must conclude of their circumcision; for the sight where∣of, as euen now I told you, we did reserue our selues to receiue aduertisement of our Samgulleyes cut∣ting, which was to be done in the morning. And ac∣cordingly, the Sunne some two houres high, we had a messenger came to entreate we would send him a white cloath, and that hee would pray vs to come

& see him. As soon as we came, he was broght forth into the open field betweene the houses, and the place where they remained, who were cut the day before they had taken away his clothes, they broght him ashore in; vvhich was shirt, breeches, and a cap of stript stuffe, after the brauest fashion of the coun∣try, and onely brought him with a vvhite cloath close about him: whereas we did expect some great ceremony after a religious manner to be performed: He was first set downe vpon a little mole-hill, diuers people comming foorth to see him, amongst the which were most women, who stood directly a little * 1.200 distance off, looking on: the maister of the towne was likewise there, and three of vs; amongst which our Chirurgion was one to comfort him not to feare: hee was very confident, entreating me to lay my hand vpon his shoulder; from amongst the blackes came foorth an ordinary man, with a short knife in his hand, which he whetted as he came, like one of our butchers vnto a beast; and causing the boy to stand vp, he tooke of his cloath, giuing it to a stander by to hold, so as he was starke naked, and set his hands vpon his sides, being neither bound nor held: how beit there were some by, who offered to hold his armes, but because hee promised not to moue, they let him alone, the executioner taking hold of his members, drawing the skinne ouer very farre, as we conceiued, cut him largly, and had three seuerall cuts afore hee had done, whereat the boy * 1.201 shrunke very little; insomuch as the maister of the towne who stood by told vs, hee had very seldome seene any abide it with so great a courage: to our thinking it was exceeding feareful and full of terror,

insomuch as I told the doer in a very angry manner he had vtterly spoyled him; when he askt wherein, I replyed, in cutting him so deepe: His answere vvas, it is so much the better for him, and vvithout any curio∣sity taking vp his cloath shewed his owne members, that it might appeare he vvas cut as farre; howbeit my distaste vvas such vpon him, that I could not yeeld to giue him any thing in the vvay of gratuitie to vvash his hands vvithall, and as the manner of the countrey is to doe by such as are friends, to the party circumci∣sed: the thing performed, the boyes white cloath vvas cast ouer him, and by two men, vvho held his armes, he vvas hurried apace to the same quarter, where the o∣ther that vvere cut remained: We made first a request that they vvould let vs goe along to the place vvith him, and vvere going vvith some of the people; but presently in hast ouertooke vs foure ancient men, who did not onely stay our going, but made shew of much * 1.202 displeasure to such as vvere going vvith vs, and would by no meanes suffer vvee should come amongst them: then vve desired vve might haue the boy away with vs, telling them vvee had better meanes to cure him, and to make him sooner vvell, then they had, shewing our Chirurgion vnto them, vvho they knew had healed * 1.203 vvounds and sores amongst them; but vvee could not preuaile, by the interposing of these auncient men some of the rest seeming to consent vnto vs: so as wee vvere there driuen to leaue our boy, vvho amongst the restof his conforts, had vvithout doubt no other chirur gery to cure their tender maladies, but onely to attend the expectation of time, who by the helpe of their youth & nature might weare it out, which appears the rather to vs, in regard at these times, there is vnto these

youthes allowed a certaine licentious liberty, whereby they may steale and take away peoples hennes, or powltry; nay from the Fulbies, a biefe or cattle to eate and banquet withall amongst them∣selues without any offence to the lawes, or gouern∣ment of the countrey; which at other times is strict in that behalfe, thereby animating, and encoura∣ging their spirits to more alacritie, and according to the condition of their wanton age by these stol∣len delights to draw them more willingly from the thing, and make the time of their recouery lesse te∣dious to themselues, and discourageable to others. And if I might bee worthy to deliuer my opinion, considering this their circumcision, as I haue care∣fully obserued I should conclude, it were done of meere necessitie, as a morrall lawe for the preserua∣tion of their liues and healthes, and so found out by their precedent auncestors, and by strict obseruati∣ons laid peremptorily vpon them, wherein I should submit my selfe in the account I could giue to more able iudgement: onely this you may please to note, it is done without any religious ceremony, and the word in their language is expressed vnto vs by no other signification, then cutting of prickes; and this is done in certaine bigger townes of the countrey, whether the smaller townes and habitations make their resorts, bringing their youth to be all cut toge∣ther.

And to make vp the number at all these meetings, there is one sure card that neuer failes, which is their * 1.204 roaring deuill, that before I spake of, whose atten∣dance may seeme to keepe the youth in awe, and he is called by the name of Ho-re, whose strange report I

proceede vnto: There is at all these meetings, some distance of from the place, heard the noyse of a roa∣ring voice, resembling the greatest base of a mans voice; when we demand of them what it is, they will answer, with a kinde of feare, it is Ho-re, and then describe him to be a fearefull spirit, that none may come neere, without danger of being destroyde, carryed away, or torne in pieces: there is at all their meetings, vpon the first notice of his voice, a prepa∣ration for him of all manner of victuals, they haue a∣mongst them, euery one imparting somewhat, all which is carryed towards the voyce, and there vnder * 1.205 a tree set downe, and within small time, bee it of what quantitie soeuer; it will bee found deuoured, and not so much as a bone to bee seene, vneaten, or left be∣hind, and if they be not ready forthwith to carry him such prouisions, as shall content him, some of their vn∣circumcised sons are instantly taken away; females he meddles not with, and saide to remaine in Ho-reyes belly, some of them nine or tenne daies, from whence * 1.206 they must be redeemed with some belly prouision: and it is strange to heare, how confidently they will report vnto you, that they haue beene carryed away, and beene abiding there: wherein this is obserued, that looke how many dayes he hath beene kept away, or remaining, as they say in Ho-reyes belly, so many dayes after they returne, it must be, before they will, or dare open their mouths, to speake a word. For confirmation of vvhich, this I haue seene: as I walkt one day into the countrey from our dwelling to Fe∣rambras house, distant some foure mile, in the vvay vve vvere to passe through a towne of the Fulbies, a∣mong the people that lookt vpon vs, I vvas shevved a

youth of some eighteene yeares of age, vvho they said, came but the night before out of Ho-reyes bel∣ly: I vvent tovvards him, and vrged him to speake * 1.207 vnto me, but still he vvent backe from mee, and kept his finger before his mouth, and notwithstanding I made vvhat meanes I could, by pulling and pinching of him, and more to terrifie him, making proffers vvith a false fyer to shute at him, beeing naturally ex∣ceeding fearefull of our gunnes, I could not preuaile, neither make him open his mouth: notwithstanding afterwards, the same fellow did often come, and haue commerce amongst vs: nay our people, vvho vvere lying, and dwelling in the countrey, had beene at se∣uerall times frighted with the voyce of this Ho-rey, for hauing staide in their fowling, or being abroade, vntill night hath ouertaken them, in their comming home, as they haue saide, they haue heard the voyce of Ho-re, as they might conceiue, some mile from them, and before they could passe tenne steppes, hee hath seemed to be in their very backes, with fright whereof, maintained by their imagination, of their report went of him, they haue not, without a gastly dread, recouered home: vnto which place of dwelling, he neuer was so bold to make any attempt: and veri∣ly my opinion is, that it is onely some illusion, either by the Marybuckes, or among the elder sort, to forme and keepe in obedience those younger sort: for better approbation of what I suppose, I will craue the patience, to set downe vvhat I obserued at the circumcision of our blacke boy: The nights vvere * 1.208 very light, the Moone being then about the full to∣vvards midnight, comming from Bo Iohns house to the place at Faye, Ho-reyes voyce vvas wondrous

busie, as it seemed to me, not farre of. I spake vnto my consorts, vve vvould secretly take our armes, and steale downe, to see vvhat it vvas, one of our three vvas backevvard and vnvvilling, vvhereby it came to passe, our Marybucke vnderstood vvhat vve intended, vvho came earnestly vnto mee, intreating, I would giue ouer that dangerous attempt, saying, I could not finde him, for one cry vvould be hard by me, and another instantly beyond the riuer, vvhich vvas a mile of, and there vvas great danger, he vvould car∣ry me into the Riuer vvith him: vvhen hee perceiued, he could not alter my resolution, he held mee by the arme, and pointing to a blacke, not farre from mee, held dovvne his head. I vvent to that man, being a ve∣ry lusty fellovv, to speake vnto him, vvhose voyce vvas grovvne so horse, by crying like Ho-re, he had no vtterance, vvhereupon I returned to my Marybucke, * 1.209 and saide, there is one of your Deuils; vvho with a smile vvent his way from me.

But that the diuell hath great recourse a∣mongst them, is without qvestion, especially, as I no∣ted before, with the Rimers or Iuddyes; I vvill spe∣cifie one intelligence vve had, and so leaue him there amongst them: When wee came first vp the Riuer, vve vvere vncertaine of our owne times, much lesse then any other, could sixe houres of going, stay∣ing, or comming to a place: howbeit vvee vvere to come to a towne called Pompetane, at vvhich place * 1.210 dwelt a Portingall, called Iasper Consaluos, who had a young kinsman with him, called Marko, but no women but blacks; this dwelling of his was the high∣est by many leagues of any Portugall in the Riuer; and uery faire quart er, euer past betwixt vs, we came

to this place, the 14. of December, betweene eight and nine in the morning, and notwithstanding, the dwelling houses were somewhat remote from the riuer, we found standing vpon the banke at the lan∣ding place this Consaluos, who in friendly sort salu∣ted vs, and carryed vs vp to his housing, where pre∣sently we found ready a very good breakefast of hens, and other good refreshing, which he said, was proui∣ded for vs: we seemed to maruell he should know of our comming thither, but aster he told vs, that the euening before, he was at another towne within the land, and had no meaning to come home, when as there came vnto him a Iuddy ot Fidler, which dwelt in the towne with him, and did likewise shew vs the man, who told him that Ho-re had acquainted him, that the next morning, and at such an houre, there would be so many white men at Pompetane, naming the number that were in our boates, and that there they would land: but to what purpose, either to doe good or hurt, the Deuill was ignorant; and vpon * 1.211 this intelligence, I retyred my selfe, and came away hither to meete you, whereat wee seemed much to wonder, beeing altogether our selues vncertaine of any houre, in regard, we diuers times went a shoare, and shooting at fowle and such like occasions diuers times lighted vpon vs; notwithstanding the diuells intelligence, we were no wayes discomforted; for he did confesse, hee was altogether ignorant of our in∣tended actions, and the conclusion was, how by his intelligence, the worst hurt we had, was a better, and more readier breakefast.

It followes, concerning what trades, or occupati∣ons is in vse amongst them, whereof wee note only

three: the first and chiefest is the Ferraro or Smith, who holds a good repute: notwithstanding, they haue no Iron of their owne making, but what is * 1.212 brought vnto them, whereof they haue most neede∣sull vse, and neither may, or can liue without it: for first of the Iron we bring vnto them, they doe fashi∣on and make all those short swords they were, next the heads of their Assigies, or Iauelings, as also the heads of their throwing darts, and the barbed heads of their shooting arrowes, which are couered ouer with their deadly poyson: in many of these the Smith doth shew a pretty kind of art and making: but the most needfull vse amongst them, is the toole or instrument, wherewith they till their ground: without vse of which, they could hardly haue their * 1.213 being, and therefore Iron, a principall commodity, that they doe call vpon; at the lower part of the Ri∣uer, where the Portingall frequents, they haue more for exchange then aboue, whereas we are vpon a cer∣teine trade: for wee cut our Iron of twelue ynches, and that is the proportion lookt after, and so high as it flowes, the Kings and Gouernors will call for that length: but passing aboue eight yuches will goe as friendly; which in either of them, is gaine enough, the returne euen in the worst, yeelding tenne for one, carrying our yron in barres, we are inforced to make vse of their Smiths, to cut it to the proportion, wee must vse, and therefore sending sor him, he comes to the water side, bringing his shop with him, that is his bellowes, and a small Anuill, which hee strikes into the ground vnder a shady tree, and onely of one kind * 1.214 of red wood, amongst them, they can make artificiall Charcoale, which will giue our Iron his true heate,

as any seacoale, his boy blowing the bellowes, that lye on the ground, the nose of them, through a hard earth, made of purpose with a hole in it, and in this manner with a hammer and a toole, they cut it for vs, receiuing satisfaction, to vs easie enough, but what it is consists of Iron; and chary we must be to looke to our measuring, or he will vse his best vnderstanding to purloyne; and this for the Smith and his esteeme amongst them: The next is he whom we call a Sepa∣tero; one that doth make all their Gregories, wherein * 1.215 truely is a great deale of art shewen, they being made and fashioned of leather into all shapes, both round and square, and triangle, after that neate manner as might be allowed for workemanship, euen amongst our curious handicrafts: these men are likewise they that make their saddles and bridles; of which bridles I haue seene so neately made vp, as with leather, euen here in our owne countrey, could hardly be mended: whereby appeares, they haue knowledge to dresse their leather. Howbeit I conceiue, onely their goats and deare skinnes, which they can colour and dye: but to greater beasts hides, their apprehension can∣not attaine, and some of these are held for curious persons, and deepe capacities: for they will bee fee∣ling of some stuffe garments we weare, and do thinke, and will boldly say, that wee doe make them of the hides, we buy from them, and will not doe it in their sight, because they shall not learne; and for our pa∣per, we bring, they absolutely conclude, it is made of the hyde, and likewise many other things they see vs vse, they will say, comes and is framed of those Ele∣phants teeth we carry from them, allowing much of a more deeper knowledge in vs, then themselues in

many things applying it amisse, and to impossibi∣lities.

Another profession we finde, and those are they who temper the earth, and makes the walles of their houses, and likewise earthen pots they set to the fire, to boyle and dresse their food in for all other occasions, they vse no other mettle, but serue them∣selues with the gourd, which performs it very neat∣ly; * 1.216 onely one principall thing, they canoot misse, and that is their Tabacco pipes, whereof there is few or none of them, be they men or women doth walke or go without, they do make onely the bowle of earth, with a necke of the same about two inches long, very nea••ly and a••••ificially colouring or gla∣sing the e••••••h very hansomly, all the bowles being very great, and fo•• the most part will hold halfe an ounce of Tabacco; they put into the necke a long kane, many times a yard of length, and in that ma∣ner draw their smoake, whereof they are great ta∣kers, and cannot of all other things liue vvithout it. These are the 3 professed trads, other things they * 1.217 need, and that are in vse amongst them, are com∣mon to euery man, to doe or make, as his occasion requires, whereof the most especiall in vse is matts, such as they eate their meate vpon, sit vpon, and al∣so make their beddes, hauing no other thing in∣deede to lie vppon, and therefore, as wee rightly terme it, is the Staple commoditie, they haue a∣mongst them: while we were in the Riuer, at a place called Mangegar, against which we had occasion to ride with our ship, both vp and downe, in the open fields, about a mile distance from any housing, is e∣uery monday a market kept; which is in the middle

of the weeke, vnto which would come great resort of people, from round about, as heere in our coun∣trey, * 1.218 who would disperse and settle themselues, with their commodities vnder the shady trees, and take vp a good space of ground, & any thing what the Countrey did yeeld, was there brought in, and bought and sold amongst them. Now through the whole Countrey there is no vse of any coyne, or money, neither haue they any, but euery man to * 1.219 choppe and barter one thing for another, and the onely nominated thing is matts, as in asking the price of this, or that I desire, the word is, how ma∣ny matts shall I giue you? so as they are still in vse; and these are the seuerall Trades, and manner of course the common people follow, or haue among them.

And so I passe to their laborious trauell, and ge∣nerall trade amongst them, from which none are exempted, but the Kings and principall persons themselues, or such as by age are past their labour, otherwise all, the Mary-bucke, both Priest, and peo∣ple, and of all sizes, as they are able, put to their hands to till the earth, and sowe their corne. And for that the goodnes of God vnto vs may the more appeare, and the Reader stirred vp the rather, to * 1.220 acknowledge his mercies, let vs call to minde, the words which God sayd vnto Adam, after his fall in Paradise; In the sweate of thy browes shalt thou eate thy bread: and with care and sorrow shalt thou eate it, and acknowledge these people, to abide the curse indeed; and our selues mittigated, through his mercifull fauour: For the earth likewise recei∣uing s••••••••se, doth naturally bring foorth vnprofi∣table

things, whereby man is forced for his neces∣sary sustenance, to till and plant the same: now God hath lent and giuen vnto vs, the beasts of the field, (which likewise they enioy) but he hath endued vs with an vnderstanding and knowledge, to make the beasts, and cattell, to serue and obey our wills in plowing and opening the earth, thereby easing, and as it were taking away the sweat of our browes, * 1.221 which knowledge hee hath denied vnto them, and not withstanding they haue so many heards of fit∣ting cattell, they vnderstand not to make vse of them, but euen with their owne hands, in the true sweat of their browes, doe they follow their paine∣full labour, as I heere relate it: They reserue great fields to sowe their corne in, which they raise vp in furrowes, as decently as we doe here, but all their labour, is with their hands, hauing therein a short sticke, of some yard in length, vpon the end wher∣of is put a broad Iron, like vnto our paddle staues, which Iron set into the ground, one leading the way, carries vp the earth before him, so many o∣thers following after him, with their seuerall Irons, doing as he leadeth, as will raise vp a sufficient fur∣row, which followed to the end of the ground, they * 1.222 beginne againe in this painfull and laborious man∣ner, fitting the earth for the graine, wherein our old prouerb is to be allowed of, Many hands make light worke; otherwise it would appeare a most te∣dious kinde of labour. They haue sixe seuerall sorts of graine, they doe feede vpon, amongest which none is knowne to vs by name (I meane heere in * 1.223 England) but onely Rice; the other may rather be called a kinde of seed then corne, being of as small

a graine as mustard seed, neither do they make any bread, but boyling their graine, rowle it vp in balls (as I haue said before) and so eate it warme: in like sort they boyle their Rice, and eate it warme; and euen to vs it is a very good and able sustenance: all other graines being sowed, the ground is with their Irons spadled ouer, and so left to his growth: but in Rice they do set it first in smal patches of low * 1.224 marish grounds, and after it doth come vp, disperse the plants, and set them in more spacious places, which they prepare for it, and it doth yeeld a great increase; they doe likewise obserue their seasons, to set other plants, as Tobacco, which is euer grow∣ing about their houses; and likewise, with great carefulnesse, they prepare the ground, to set the * 1.225 seedes of the Cotten wooll, whereof they plant whole fields, and comming vp, as Roses grow, it beareth coddes, and as they ripen, the codde brea∣keth, and the wooll appeareth, which shewes the time of gathering.

And before I passe to speake of other naturall plants, that proceed and come forth without la∣bour, I must not omit to relate heere, the farther misery of this labouring people, that thereby wee may discerne, the greater mercy we doe enioy, for whereas it bath pleased God, to affoord vnto vs seasonable times, to plant and sowe, and againe to reape, and enioy our labour, sending likewise * 1.226 gentle showres and raines, wherby we receiue them in a due season; he hath not dealt so with all Nati∣ons, whereof these are witnesses; for although their seasons are certaine, yet they are violent and feare∣full: For from September, vnto the latter end of

Maie following, almost nine moneths, they neuer taste any showres of raine, so as their ground is so hard, through the extreme heate of the Sunne, that they can make no vse thereof, but are compelled to stay vntill raine doth fall, to moysten the earth, that their instruments may enter, to prepare the same: which raines, at the first come gently, now and then a showre, but not without thunder, and lightning; Towards the end of Iune, it then grow∣eth more forcible, powring it selfe violently foorth with such horrible stormes, and gusts of winde, and with such fearefull flashes of lightning, and claps of thunder, as if (according to our phrase) heauen and earth would meet together: in all which not∣withstanding, * 1.227 the miserable people are driuen to worke and labour, in the open field, for Ioosing the season of the grounds softnesse; and as it doth beginne, after a more gentle manner, in the same nature and distance of time it passeth away, the most extreame force being from the middle of Iu∣ly, vntill the middle of August, and the abundance of raine that then doth fall, may bee supposed, in that it doth raise the Riuer from his vsuall height, directly vpright thirty foote, and where it hath not banke to defend it ouer-flowes the shoares, and therefore they prepare their habitations, in their owne discretions, accordingly, and in some yeares not without danger: Now in regard many people of our Country, haue beene lost, and that our Sea∣men directly charge the vnholsomnesse of the ayre, to be the sole cause, I would presume a little to ar∣gue it, deliuering my opinion, hoping it may in∣uite some abler vnderstanding, to search into it,

and produce some better assistance, to auoyde the inconuenience, then I am able to deliuer. * 1.228

It is certaine, in regard of the grounds hardnesse in those nine moneths when the raines are past, that the superficies, or vpper part of the earth, doth receiue all that venome, or poysonous humours which distill ei∣ther from trees or plants, whereof there is store, as we see by the aboundance they vse in poysoning their Arrowes, and some of their Launces; and likewise, what doth issue from their venemous Serpents, and Snakes, of which kindes there are very many, both great, and exceeding long; also Toades and Scorpi∣ons: the poyson doth remaine and continue in the * 1.229 drynesse of the ground, and rakte vp in the dust and sand, which vpon the first raines, being moystned, and the earth wet, by the exhalation of the hot Sunne is drawne vp, and in short time in the next showres fals downe againe; in my poore iudgement, some reason appeares that those first times must be very pestilent, and full of danger; which in some sort testifi is it selfe, in regard those first raines, lighting vpon the naked bo∣dy, doe make blaines and spots, which remaine aster them, much more then after the raines haue continu∣ed, and more perfectly washt, and cleard the supersi∣cies; and not onely vpon the bodies, but in the gar∣ments, * 1.230 or clothes worne; who being laide by, after they are wet with the first raines, doe sooner, and in greater number breed and bring foorth vntoward wormes; whereas other wayes, after the raines are more common, it doth not produce any such effect, or if it doe, very little. To this I say, that it is a thing to be especially obserued, as much as men may, to a∣uoide the being in those first raines, and more especi∣ally

to be prouided of water, either to drinke, or dresse meate withall, before these seasons fall; except it bee * 1.231 those who dwell and abide vpon the land, and may haue meanes to couer and keepe close their springs; but for men to water, in those pestilent times, and in the open Riuers, as the Saint Iohns men in their first voyage did, I say it was a desperate attempt, and might haue beene the confusion of them all, as in∣deed there were but few of them escaped; and that the countrey is not so contagious, as they would haue their reports to make it, those people of ours may be witnesse, who being willing to stay behind, and re∣mayning there almost three yeeres, there was not one of them dyed, but returned all into their owne coun∣trey, being eight of them in number, except onely * 1.232 Captaine Tompson, who as I repeate before, was slaine by vnhappy accident.

I would willingly also venter here, and speake my opinion, what naturally may bee saide, concerning these contagious times; but with this prouiso, it is done to animate others, who if they knew the cer∣taine course and season, with the true manner of each particular circumstance, would be able to demonstrate better, and so rectifie me in that where I shall doe a∣misse. These seasons I say, begin gently in the end of May, when the Sunne drawes to the end of his Nor∣therne progresse, in the Tropicke of Cancer, whose power, as it may appeare, draweth vp after him those * 1.233 great and clowdy vapours, which directly, come per∣petually out of the Southeast, and from no other place or point, which following after the force of the Sunne, as they rise higher, and neerer the heate, begin to dis∣solue; but as the Sun turnes backe againe, and comes

in his reuerse to meete with these massie vapours, sen∣ding in his forceable raynes amongst those clowdy substances, compels them to giue way, and breake in sunder, the violence whereof produceth that terrible thunder, and fearefull lightning which followeth, and great abundance of raine which falleth: which as it doth appeare, is most terrible, when the Sunne, and those vapours are as it were incorporate; for from the middle of Iuly, vntill the middle of August, the ex∣tremity is, and by that time in September, the Sunne is againe in his equinoctiall the aire doth cleare, and all the stormes doe end; and so it appeares, that as the Sunne, after his comming from the Equinoctiall, in his whole Northern progresse is raysing, and drawing these vapours after, so in his reuerse againe from the Tropicke, vntill he comes to the Equinoctiall he is dissoluing, and clearing the same againe, all which ob∣seruing as a naturall man, I commend to the ingenious practitioner, either to amend, or make vse of; And in * 1.234 my selfe, with humble thankefulnesse giue glory to God, who shewes his almighty power to thesevnbelee∣uing people, that in regard, they will not accept of that pleasing, and peacefull intelligence of our louing and meeke Sauiour his blessed Sonne; they shall feele and feare his omnipotent power, in trembling vnder those incomprehensible terrours, which as hee saith in Iob, are prepared for his enemies: Againe, if it hath plea∣sed him to appoint certaine places vpon the earth, where more especially those great and fearefull workes of his shall appeare, thereby to daunt and keepe down the hawty aspirings of sinnefull man; how much are * 1.235 wee bound to praise, and acknowledge his euerlasting goodnesse, in not seating vs and our habitions vnder

those contagious clymates, and how much more is his great power manifested, that hath appointed bounds, and lymits, as hee saith himselfe of the swelling Seas, so likewise of these fearefull seasons; hethereto shall you come, and shall exceed no further.

And now to adde comfort vnto vs that are, or shalbe called to trauell these parts: first, the times and seasons are certaine, that men may either auoide them by leauing the countrey, when they are to come, or by preparing themselues with things necessary, bee the better able to endure them, when they are come; of which now wee haue had such experience, as wee can expound things outwardly, by Gods permission requi∣sit and auailcable, and inwardly frame our bodies and dispositions to the countrey and seasons agreeable: and this is encouraged with a comfortable resolution, that the continuance is not long, and that wee know the ends, and termination of the season, which before ex∣perience, * 1.236 was a fearefull discourager: So I returne backe, to speake of the naturall plants, which following the laborious courses, I was driuen to omit.

They haue naturally growing, which is but onely neare the mouth of the riuer, Bononos auery excellent fruit, and they are as delicious, good, and great, as a∣ny * 1.237 that are in the West Indies; likewise within that lymit, store of small Lemmons, or Lymes, and for O∣renges, * 1.238 wee haue seene, and had brought vnto vs, farre vp in the riuer, at some times good store, that shewes * 1.239 there are trees in the countrey, and that they might be stored, if the people were ingenious, and either would or could knowe how to plant them: but to speake of things that the whole countrey yeeldeth plentifully, and what is esteemed and set by amongst them, where∣of

especially, wee note Palmeta trees, and in some pla∣ces there are whole grounds or groues of them, the vse whereof is to draw from them a most sweete and plea∣sant drinke, which we call Palmeta Wine, and as wee approue and like of it to bee toothsome, so likewise in * 1.240 operation, wee find it wholesome; the manner where∣of is this, they do cut into the body of the tree holes, in some more, in some lesse, as the tree is in substance, to whichholes, they place a hollow cane cut sloping to goe the neatlier in, into which the iuyce of the tree distilleth, and is conueid, as in pipes, vnto gourdes set handsomely into the ground reddy to receiue it, which is in lesse then twenty foure houres taken away, and as they please disposed of: now this is of that esteeme, that the vulgar sort may not meddle with, but the princi∣pall persons, and therefore they will send of this vnto vs, foure or fiue miles distance, as a curteous present; the tast whereof, doth truely resemble white Wine when it comes first ouer into England, hauing the same sweetnes of tast, and in colour, if they were toge∣ther, not to be distinguished; onely this is the misery, it will not keepe aboue one day, for if you reserue of it vntill the morning it will grow sowre, notwithstan∣ding any dilligence that can be vsed; and of this kind there are seuerall sortes and tastes, as there are in white Wines, which the people themselues distinguish by seuerall names; calling some Sabbagee, Bangee, Tangee, * 1.241 and other names, as the trees are from whence it comes. Some Palmeta trees, doe likewise carry great store of Apples, which the countrey people will feede vpon, especially the yonger sort.

And being entred into their good liquour, I must not forget, to speake of the knowledge they haue in

making a compounded drinke, which wee can afford to tast, and accept of; and it is made of some corne, * 1.242 boild and ordered as wee doe our Ale; they call it Dullo, it is not common amongst them, but when the King or principall person will make a feast, he calles all the inhabitants about him, and hauing a great gourd or two, sometimes three, of this liquour in his presence they drinke round, and it is deuided amongst them, making an end of all before they part, and it is of that operation, it will warme their braines, and set their tongues a working: the poore Fulbye finding that wee affect it, will many times watch for a priuate conuey∣ance, but if the Blackes meete with him, they will sure∣ly drinke it, and send him home againe, hauing lost his market; Now because I speake of gourdes, which are growing things, it is fit I tell you, they doe grow, and resemble iust that wee call our Pumpion, and in that manner are placed, and carried vpon their walles and houses, being of all manner of different sorts; from * 1.243 no bigger then an egge, to those that will hold a bu∣shell, and the necessary vse they haue of them, to eate, and drinke, and wash their clothes in, with diuers o∣ther very fit occasions, giues thē iust cause to preserue them although the meate, or substance that growes within them is to bee throwne away, in regard of the extreame bitternesse, whereof the shell it selfe so sa∣uours, as no vse can be made, vntill it be perfectly sea∣soned; and they haue likewise growing Pumpions in the selfe same manner wee haue, and in like case they doe conuert to sustenance: But to rise higher from * 1.244 the ground; they haue likewise great store of Locust trees, which growing in clusters of long cods toge∣ther in the beginning of May, growes to his ripenes,

which the people will seede vpon, especially the younger sort, if they can make shift to get them downe, the trees beeing bigge, and of a good heigth, with this I must ioyne hony, which doth appeare likewise to growe; and the countrey is ve∣ry full, wherein the people vse one of the ingenious parts I see amongst them, for vpon those great trees, which are growing about their houses, in many places you shall haue them make baskets of reedes and sedge, which they will make fast, on the out bowes of the tree, and in those the Bees * 1.245 will come and breede, whereof in time they receiue the profit, hauing so many baskets on some con∣uenient trees, that in our ignorance, before wee knew it, being distant of, we might conceit it was some fruit the tree had yeelded; also in holes of hollow trees, amongst the woods still bees are plenty, so that another Iohn Baptist, if any were, might in this place and that with plenty, receiue his full of Locust and wild hony.

And for trees of great and large bodies, they be here, especially one sort, which doth carry vpon a long stalke, a great and round fruite, yeelding a kinde of pleasing pith within: Whereupon the Baboones * 1.246 and Munkyes vse to feede; whereof there had neede be store, in regard of their number, as I shall declare hereafter: and some of these trees retaine that big∣nesse, that sixe men by fadoming can hardly com∣passe: there are other huge trees, one whereof doth carry a stony apple, which being through ripe, to eate is tolerable, and serues if hee fall to feede the wilde * 1.247 swine, but that is in place, where the Baboone is a stranger: And I will conclude their fruites, with that

which is in most esteeme amongst them; which is a fruite in proportion, much like our bigger sort of chesnuts, flat on both sides, but hath no hard shell on the outside, they call them Gola, and we Nuts: the tast of him, when he is bitten, is extreame bitter, but the * 1.248 operation of him, is with them so set by, that ten is a present for a King: this operation we finde, that after we haue eaten of him downe, notwithstanding his bitter taste, the water wee drinke presently after, al∣though it he out of the Riuer, shall haue a relish like white wine, carrying that sweetnesse, as if it were mixt with suger; and likewise the Tobacco wee take pre∣sently after, shall haue that sweetenesse one would much admire: other operation we finde none, yet so doe they esteeme them that the auncient persons ha∣uing lost their teeth, and not able to bite it, haue mor∣ters wherewithall carryed to bruise it, that they may not be bard of the Iuice, and comfort of it; neyther are they for the common people: Fifty, of these nuts in the habitation where we dwelt, presented to the King, would buy a wife, and many times as a wonder∣full great present, I haue had sixe of them sent me, howbeit, we neuer sawe any of them grow, neither are they, as they say amongst them, but brought from * 1.249 another people, and they are of most valew, still the lower, and neerer the mouth, yet there they bee, and the Portingals will make, as if they bring them into the Riuer, by a trade they haue in a great baye, be∣yond Cacho, where they meete with a people, that * 1.250 brings them gold, and many of these nuts; and this we can say, that when we were at the highest part of the riuer, the people brought them abundantly vnto vs, and did wonder much, we made no more esteeme

or care to buy them: but where they grow, or whence they had them, wee are yet ignorant, although the Portingall affirmes, they come from the golden coun∣trey, neither will they last, or continue by any know∣ledge we haue to keepe them, being subiect to wither, or be eate with wormes, as by tryall I prooued, kee∣ping of them, to haue shewed in England, as I much desired. They haue neither Onyons, nor Garlike: howbeit, Garlike is a thing they much desire, where∣with we see them rather rub their heads and bodies, then affect to feede on: neither haue they any herbs, or flowers, which either for taste or smell they e∣steeme, but onely one called Binning, which carry∣ing a sharpe, or sowre taste like Samphire, we vsed for * 1.251 sauce, and that they seeing, would ordinarily bring vnto vs: howbeit when we came vpon diuers moun∣taines, and sundry woods, wee should retaine such sweete sinells, as would be very pleasing; from whence we concluded the Bees did gather, and make vp theit hony. And I will make my conclusion of the Plants amongst them, with that which vnto me brought ad∣miration; which was a tree, or bush, commonly growing vpon the toppe of the Riuer banke, resem∣bling much our great Barbery bushes, onely hauing a little ragged leafe, whereunto comming, with all the diligence might bee deuised, not to touch or mooue it, but onely with all gentlenesse, betweene your fingers and thumbe, touching a leafe, the whole bowe should presently close vp euery lease together, as if they feared and found themselues offended: but if you toucht or stird a little sprigge, the whole tree should close his leaues after a most sensible manner. * 1.252 Whereof taking especiall notice, wee did allow it to

be the sensible tree, of which auncient authours haue written; which wee did obserue to carry a kinde of yellow flowers like our hedge roses: with the strange∣nesse whereof concerning plants, I here conclude my story.

The discourse of the wild beasts.

AND now I am to speake of the vvild beasts the countrey is stored withall, whereof I am to be∣gin vvith those that are rauenous and offensiue, kee∣ping the people in dread, and as his pleasure requires the Lyon is first, whereof there are very many, which vve can speake by perfect knovvledge; although vve cannot say, eye-vvitnesses, for our gracious God hath so ordained, that those beasts vvhich are most tyran∣nous * 1.253 to others, and boldest against man, as ashamed of their bloody actions, notvvithstanding their able∣nes and strength, doe shut themselues vp in the bovv∣els of the earth all the day time, as it were confinde from the glorious light of the Sunne, beeing one of Gods comfortablest creatures; So that in the night, is their times of walking, and our know∣ledge of them, is by their roarings and noyse they make, whereby one beast is distinguisht from an other, but the Lyon is more especially to be taken * 1.254 notice of, besides his owne voice, in regard of a ser∣uant hee hath sometimes two or three that doe at∣tend him, which we doe call the little Iacke All: it is a little blacke shagge-heard beast, about the big∣nesse * 1.255 of a small spaniell, which so soone as the Eue∣ning comes, hunts and busles about for the preye, and comming on the foot, followes the sent with

open crye, to which the Lyon being master hunts∣man giues diligent eare, and applyes himselfe to follow, for his owne ease and aduantage; if it so happen the Iacke All, beweary, or set vp his chace besote the Lyon come in, he howles mainely out, to shew the estate he stands in, and then comes the haughty Lyon, and ceazeth one the weary prey: for as it is written of the Lyon in his pride, if hee saile * 1.256 of his prey at three iumps, he scornes to pursue, or toyle himselfe after it: and being ceazd, he remaines feeding, making a kind of grumbling noyse: whilest his small seruant stands barking, and yalping by, at∣tending vntill his Master hath feasted, and then hee falls vpon the remainder. And this, as we heare, and receiue from the countrey people; so likewise it is affirmed vnto vs by our owne ttauailes: for as we had occasion when the tydes fell out to trauaile vp the Riuer in the night; and likewise many times to * 1.257 ride all night at an Anker in the Riuer against desert places, we did obserue the noyse, and hunting of this Iacke All, and likewise note the reply, and answer of the Lyon, insomuch, as it was a commonn word amongst vs, who will goe on shore, and accompany the Master huntsman.

There are Ounces and Leopards great store, whereof by reason of the many dennes wee see vpon the land, we may discerne the print of the foot, re∣maining vpon the holes mouth, beeing able to assure vs what is within, as also the countrey people doe bring many of their skinnes vnto vs to sell, how euer * 1.258 they light vpon them; for by their owne valour, sure they dare not, and by their ingenious capacities, I beleeue they cannot deuise any course to lessen their

company. The Ounce doth seeme to bee more ra∣uenous, or dangerous vnto them, then either Lyon * 1.259 or any others, and makes more spoyle vpon them, as they doe complaine, I was shewed a child there, which the mother gaue sucke vnto, who early in a morning going neare to her house to a spring to fetch water, had laid her child wrapt in a Cloath without her dore vpon a matte, as they vse to doe, and there came a hungry Ounce, who it seemed had mist his nights prey, and tooke vp the cloath and childe, and runne his wayes, the mother met him, and with wofull outcry pursued him, and as it chan∣ced * 1.260 he tooke the way to come right vpon the place, where the Father of the child with other people were labouring in the field, who with roaring voyces run after him, the Ounce still ran away, keeping his hold, but as it chanced, the child dropt forth of the cloath, and the father running after, recouered it, and tooke it vp, the Ounce carryed cleane away the cloath, and the man brought backe the child to the mother; the which wee our selues haue both seene and handled: and so bold and fierce is the Ounce, that many times in the night, hee hath driuen a small dogge wee had, where we dwelt on shore to our bedsides by a hole he had through our straw vvalles, barking and running vnder our beds, not daring to looke out, howsoeuer vve encouraged him, vntill vve vvere faine vvith fire∣brands in our hands to goe abroad, and so feare him avvay: and many more are there of night enemies, vvhich vvatch and looke after their carefull husvvise∣ry, amongst which especially is the great Ciuit Cat, * 1.261 aud the Porcupin, vvho are carefull purueighers for any outlying poultrey, vvhose vievv early in the mor∣ning

is their discouerie, the Cattes by the print of their feete left in the sand, and the Porcupine by his quills, which are shed, and many times taken vp in plenty; and so I end with their night enemies, and as I stand conceited, cruell acquaintance, be∣cause what after I deliuer, is vppon such beasts, as walke, and shew themselues by day: and howsoeuer, they stand in feare of them, it is rather out of a ti∣morousnesse, in the people, then any willingnesse in the beast.

The first where of is the Elephant, whose presence indeed, as he is a wilde beast, may euen to a strong person giue a iust amazement; and such is the feare, the countrey people in generall, haue of them, that by all possible meanes, they seeke to shunne and flie from them, yet such is the great abundance the * 1.262 Countrey doth yeeld of them, that they are ouer all places, and wheresoeuer you come, you shall find the footing and apparent shew they haue been there, though not presently to be seene: and not∣withstanding those great abundance of wilde ones, they haue not any of them tame, or vnder com∣maund. as in other places of the world they haue, which certainely proceeds from the feare they con∣ceiue of them: much, and great is the spoiles they doe them, both among their corne, and especially in their Cotton grounds, going in small compa∣nies together, whereof I haue seene sixteene verie great ones, besides young ones that suckt, and o∣thers that were of middle statures; the proportion * 1.263 of the greatest I leaue you thus to coniecture of: the reeds or sedge, that grows naturally in euery place, is higher aboue our heads, then the arme of a tall

man can well reach; and halfe the body of those Elephants, is aboue the reedes, their naturall fee∣ding is amongest this sedge, but more especially, they doe browse vpon trees whereof in the woods, you shall find store by them pulld downe, and that of bigge bodies, and round substance; the manner * 1.264 whereof I must relate, to correct the mistaking, which is most common in picturing the Elephant, whose two great teeth are commonly set in his lo∣wer law, carrying them vpward, as a Bore doth his tusks which is contrary, for he carries them down∣ward, and with them breakes downe the trees, for after with his truncke he hath bended the toppe, he haspes ouer his two teeth, so as one or other must needs giue way, and that is the reason, that among those multitude of teeth, that are brought ouer, so many broken teeth, and crackt and shaken are a∣mongst them, for it the tree be too strong, the tooth giues way, and so the people find many iunkes and peeces, which they sell vnto vs, & the abundance of those teeth, that are yearely brought from thence, may satisfie what store of these beasts are in the countrey; for as I haue spoken with many, who considering the great store are brought away, haue * 1.265 conceiued, they had shed their teeth, as Stagges doe mew their hornes, which directly is nothing so, but by the death of the beast, the teeth are got∣ten; what casuall deaths they are subiect vnto wee are ignorant: and for any practize of the peoples, too much feare possesseth them, so farre as we haue seene, one place alone excepted, which I will ma∣nifest vnto you: within foure miles where our ha∣bitation was, there stood a good spatious planta∣tion,

the Commander whereof we called Feram∣bra, who was alwayes a friend of ours; as we were in our dwelling, vpon our Christmasse day, at din∣ner; * 1.266 where (God be praised) wee had varieties of meate: to mend our fare, iust in the dinner time, there came foure blacke people vnto vs, whereof two were laden, and had great gourds vppon their heads, as much as they could stand vnder, the one full of Palmeta wine, the other of raw flesh, which were Presents sent me from this Ferambra, who sent * 1.267 me word, hee had killed an Elephant, and had sent me some part thereof; our daintie stomacks looked asquash at such grosse flesh, yet I receiued it kindly, and gaue it away to our blacke neighbours, who eat it very merrily. The next day I went to Ferambras house, & the fashion of the Country is to entertain vs, with their best prouision of diet, amongst which we had Elephants flesh, whereupon both my selfe, and consorts that were with me, fed very heartily, and found it good and sauoury meate: I desired to know how he killed them; And he shewed me one of his blacke people, and sayd, There was none but hee alone durst doe it; and taking downe a lauclin, * 1.268 which hung in the house, the staffe some ten foote long; the Iron or head whereof was bound vp in a cloth, which he opened and shewed me, and it was laid with poyson all ouer; he sayd, his manner was, when hee saw the Elephants feeding in the high sedge, he would steale in amongst them, & by cree∣ping, still keeping himselfe behinde them, he would recouer so neare, as to strike his Iauelin into the bo∣dy of the beast, and leauing it there, take to his heeles, and through the long reeds scape away: and

the warme bloud dissoluing the poyson vppon the Iauelin, it presently spreads it selfe, to the cruell torture of the beast, the extremitie whereof killes him; the people in the meane time, vpon trees, and places of aduantage, being set round about to watch him, and so soone as he is downe, come to him, presently cutting away so much of the flesh as is inflamed with the poyson, which they throw a∣way, reseruing the rest for their owne sustenance: and in this manner he hath killed mee so many, as you see I haue tailes heere hanging vp; And except * 1.269 in this place, I neuer heard but the people were wondrous fearefull of them: the experience where∣of, was in those blacke people, I had in my boate when I went vp the Riuer: It was my manner, as I cou'd with conueniencie, to aduenture and set vp∣pon such as wee met withall, but my Blacks would alwayes tremble, and runne away; and many seue∣rall attempts I had vpon them, wherein I must say, as I found, that they were as fearefull as a forrest Stagge, and according to their greatnesse, went as * 1.270 swift from vs as they could, which pace was faster, then a good able man could runne, whereof I had triall in one great beast, who notwithstanding wee had shot three times, the bloud running downe his sides, escapt away from vs, that we lost him, whom afterwards the people found dead, and brought his teeth to sell vnto vs; and had wee beene prouided accordingly, we might haue made diuers preys vp∣on * 1.271 them: but what wee did, was held in admirati∣on amongest the people, for many would come downe on purpose to looke vpon vs, and dernaund of our Blackes, which was he that durst set vpon an Elephant.

There are also in the Countrey Buffelos, which are wilde Bulles, and cattell of that sort; also wilde Boores, very huge and great, their colour being * 1.272 a darke blew, and without doubt he is a very dan∣gerous * 1.273 beast, for hee shewes more boldnesse then any other, being armed with great and large tusks, and carrying vp his tufted taile, of a great length, boult vpright, in a scornefull manner, will walke from vs.

There are likewise large Antelops, and Deare of * 1.274 all manner of sorts spread ouer the whole countrey, with beasts of that kind, whose names wee are ig∣norant of; and many strange hydes they doe bring vnto vs, amongst which there is one beast, whose hide is fourteene foote of length, of a dunne colour, and strokt with white. Another sort I must needes remember, whose great abundance may well put me in minde, besides their society and neighbour∣hood, which in our trauell vp the Riuer we were of∣ten acquainted withall, which are, the Babownes and Munkeys, whereof the countrey hath innume∣rable * 1.275 store, and where they are, they doe goe in heards, and companies, but are of two societies: the Munkeys alwaies keepe by themselues, and great and little as they are; onely of that kind consort to∣gether, and euen in Ilands that lye within the Riuer, they are as frequent as on the mayne, which con∣demnes the report is of them, that they cannot swimme, but being in the water will drowne pre∣sently, and in my owne knowledge I can affirme, that hauing bought a Monkey from the countrey people, who vse to bring them vnto vs, and sel them for poore things; being got loose in my boate that 〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

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rid in the middle of the Riuer, hee leapt into the water to swimme on shore, and being pursued by one of our men, who swamme after him, hee did diue vnder water, diuers and sundry times, before he could recouer him. * 1.276

But to speake of the Babowne, I must say, it is a won∣derfull thing, to obserue a kind of common-wealth that is amongst them; they haue none but their owne kind together, and are in heardes, of three or foure thousand in a company; as they trauell, they goe in rancke, whereof the leaders are certaine of the greater sort, and there is as great, and large of them, as a Ly∣on, the smaller following, and euer now and then as a Commaunder a great one walkes; the females carry their yong vnder their bellies, except shee haue two, and then one vnder, the other aboue. In the rear comes vp a great company of the biggest sort, as a guard, a∣gainst any persuing enemy, and in this manner doe they march along: they are very bold, and as we passe in the riuer, when we come neare their troupes, they will get vp into the trees, and stand in gaze vpon vs, and in a kind of collericke humour the great ones will shake the trees, and with his hands clatter the boughes in that fashion, as it doth exceed the strength of a man, to doe the like, barking, and making a noyse at vs, as if they were much offended, and in this manner, ma∣ny times they will follow vs along, and in the night time, where wee ride at an ancker take vp their stands, or lodgings on the mountaine toppes, or on the trees that are aboue vs, whereas we heare their gouernment: * 1.277 for many times in the night you shall heare such a noyse of many of their voyces together, when instant∣ly one great voyce exalts it selfe, and presently all are

hush, and the noyse is dasht, so as we were wont to say, Maister Constable speakes; likewise when wee are a shore and meete with these troupes, on a sudden the great ones will come forward, and seeme to grin in our faces; but offer vp a gunne, and away they packe. One of our people one day as we came neare the shore in our boate, and a troupe of these shauers, being ga∣zing on vs, made a shot and kild one of them, which before the bote could get on shore, the others had taken vp betwixt them and carried quite away, but we haue kild of them, which the countrey people doe much desire, and will eate very heartely; wherein I hope neuer to take their part: And lastly let mee tell * 1.278 you that wee haue seene in the desert places they vse, trees and plants, wound and made vp together in that artificiall manner, and wrought together with that thicknes ouer head, to keepe away the sun, and shade the ground, which hath bin beaten, & smoothed vnder neath, and all things in the manner and shape of an excellent arbour, which place they haue only vsed, and kept for their dancing and recreation; that no man liuing that should haue come by chance, and seene the same, without knowledge of these vnluc∣ky things, but would haue confidently supposed, it had, and must haue beene the handy worke of man; which some wayes confirmes the opinion the Spa∣niard * 1.279 holds of them, and doth not sticke to write it, that they are absolutely a race and kind of peo∣ple, who in regard they will not bee brought to worke, and liue vnder subiection, refuse to speake, and so he reports of them.

And to conclude, amongst their multitude of wilde beasts, we haue enquired amongst them: es∣pecially,

when I was at the highest in the countrey, whether they could tell or report of a Vnycorne, setting foorth vnto them a beast, with one onely horne in his forehead, and certainely they haue told me, that higher within the land there is a beast, which hath one onely horne in the same manner, but describe the beast, to be both about the colour and bignesse of a vallow Deare, and the horne to * 1.280 be about the length of their arme, and no other∣wise, which is nothing like to the description of a Vnicorne, as he is with vs set out, if there bee any such beast; whereof indeed I am very doubtfull, and so I am come to the last, which is to deliuer, what land fowle, and of that nature, there doe remaine wilde as we haue seene amongst them.

The discourse of land fowle.

AMongst such fowle and birds that remaine and liue vpon the land, in our trauels vp the Riuer, and our daily walkes and trauels vpon the shore; our indraught being so many hundred miles, wee neuer saw any Estriches, neither did any of the cun∣trey people, euer bring any of their feathers to bar∣ter, or sell vnto vs, so as it appeares plainly there is none of them in these parts; notwithstanding in the Riuer of Senega, which is to the Northward, and likewise againe more Southerly, vpon the Sea coast of Affrica great store: Therefore the greatest bird or fowle we see, is called a Stalker; who by rea∣son of his long legs and necke, when he stands vp∣right, * 1.281 is in height taller then a man, his body in sub∣stance is more then an indifferent lambe which wee

doe feede vpon, and finde it somewhat a dry meate, but well allowed for nourishment, and by the countrey people much esteemed of: The especiall desire we haue to kill them, is in regard of some feathers he hath, which being taken in due time, and so preserued, are heere at home esteemed and worne.

The next in greatnesse, is called a Wake, in re∣gard of the great noyse hee makes when hee flyeth, * 1.282 which resembleth what he is called by, and of these there is great abundance, who for the most part liue vpon their Rice grounds, and in those times do them great spoyles: they are very good to eate, and is a bird of a great stature, hauing the vpper part of his head carrying a beautifull shew, with a pleasing tuft on his Crowne, which I haue seene worne by great personages here at home.

There is infinite store of another sort of excellent birds which wee call Ginney Hennes, in bignesse * 1.283 much about our Phesants, and in beauty answerable; his feathers being all laid ouer him like vnto eyes, in a pleasing fashion, they are all the countrey ouer, and in flockes of many hundreds together; their food is vpon their corne grounds, keeping close to∣gether, insomuch as we haue killed eight of them at one shoote, they are an excellent meate, and many of these are brought into England, and giuen as pre∣sents to those of note, and worthy persons who pre∣serue and keepe them for their rarenesse, as birds of pleasure: And in the very like abundance they haue Patridges, whose colour is not beautifull, so much as our Patridges here; but onely of a darke feather, and these are likewise all the countrey ouer, where it

is planted, for the most remaining neare their hou∣ses, and in the middle of their dwellings, the great * 1.284 plenty of both which kinds, of Gynney Hennes and Patridges, are some manifest tokens there are no Foxes at all in the countrey, who are in these our parts great enemies to both the kindes of Phesant and Patridge: and the cause the keepe so neare the houses, is to preserue them from as subtill enemies, which are the Babownes, and Munkeys, who are no night walkers, and in the day time the recourse of people makes them keepe further off, whereas o∣therwayes they would not faile to be sharers. There are also great store of Quailes, who are in bignesse * 1.285 as great as a Woodcocke, and from whence it is deriued I cannot auouch, onely it is saide, they are of those kind of Quailes as fell among the children of Israels tents: thus much I can affirme, they are a pleasing and delightful meate, and in many places, where we haue made abode, they haue accustomed to sall about vs: so as prouided wherewithall to shoote them, mens dyets are mended, euen in a short warning: In all their townes and dwellings likewise store of Pidgeons, vvhich feede vpon the * 1.286 offall of their Corne, in the very doores, yet all are wilde, and of tame Pidgeons they haue no knowledge: I haue vvith my stone-bow or pellet∣bow in two houres killed twenty Pidegeons, euen among their houses, vvhich manner of shooting they haue had in vvonderfull admiration: And these birds or fowle nominated, are such that are at all times, and in most places euer neare at hand, and alvvayes ready for sustenance if men bee proui∣ded, and vvill take small paine to looke them.

There are likewise in the countrey Parats, but none good for ought, except the dun Parat with the red tayle, of which fort you haue some few that come to * 1.287 speake well: but of Paraquetos there are very many, * 1.288 and beautifull birds, which are often brought home, and some few attaine to perfection. Also of smaller birds great varietie & sundry strange shapes, amongst * 1.289 which many are in colours, delightfull to the eye, and many in notes very pleasing to the eare: there is a∣mongst the variety one smal bird, which for his strang∣nesse we obserue, hee hath no legges, but two strings like the bird of Arabia, with which he hangs with his head downeward, and hath such resemblance to a dead leafe, as it hangs on the tree, being direct of that * 1.290 colour, whereby vnlesse hee be seene too light, you can hardly discouer him, and he doth seeme to take pleasure to deceiue mens eye-sight, hanging wonde∣rous steddy, without motion, whilest hee is lookt af∣ter, and very neare the touching: Likewise another * 1.291 strange bird there is, which flyeth with foure wings we see him not all the day, but an houre before night, his two foremost wings are largest, the other are a pretty distance backward, and beares his body be∣tweene foure palpably.

As I speake of these birds, it is very necessary I should set downe how nature teacheth these little creatures to prouide for the safety of themselues, and the young they bring forth, I haue shewed before, vvhat troupes and multitudes of Babownes and Mon∣keys the countrey is stored withall, vvhich are pro∣fest enemies to feathered fowle, and therefore in these little poore creatures, who can make no resi∣stance, Nature hath directed them by Art to preuent

cruelty: Amonst the great variety of strange trees, and woods, which the countrey affordeth, whereof there is not any, that I can know, or call by an Eng∣lish * 1.292 name, by saying, this tree doth grow in England: there is especially one, who doth exceed in prickles, both vpon the body, branches, and armes: euen to the outermost small springges, many of these grow di∣stant from the water, and many of them grow vpon the banke side, hanging their toppes ouer the water: we obserue, that of this onely tree, the litle Bird makes choyse, and not content with his defence of prickles, makes vse likewise of his growing ouer the water, and on that side which bends to the riuer on the very out∣side doe they winde their nestes with an owse, or neck, which is hollow, made of reeds and sedge, the whole neast hanging like a bottle, made fast by the necke, in some places so thicke together, that the same side of the tree, seemes as it were all couered with thatch; vn∣to which, if notwithstanding the prickles, the Babown or Munkey durst approach, the feare hee shall haue, that the boughes will not beare him, and the fall hee is in daunger of, together vvith the fright of the wa∣ter vnderneath him, is able to daunt him, by vvhich natural care he preserues his increase, and speedes bet∣ter then many times the Parrat doth, for he likewise is prouident to make his neast on the outermost smallest twigge of a tree; but on the land winding it about the twigge, so neare, as it will not beare any of his vn∣happy enemies, who notwithstanding are vigilant for their owne ends, and by getting vpon vpper boughes, will ouerlooke his desired prey, and when hee sees they are growne to fill vp the neast, will hazard chari∣ly as the bough may beare him, and sitting fast with

his two hinder feete with his two hands take vp the bough, and shake it in that manner, that either some * 1.293 or all forth of the nest shal tumble, and being down he gaines them for his labour. Another kind of art, nature hath taught these birds in the high banke which is steepest ouer the Riuer, whose steepenesse hinders the accesse of these deuourers, they will make holes so artificially round like augor holes, and of that equall distance the one by the other, so thicke * 1.294 as the banke will beare, carrying them at least a yard within the ground, by which places they preserue themselues and their young.

But there are birds of defence such as are hawkes, whereof there is one sort, as large as our Ierfauchon, and these as the people tell vs, will of their owne ac∣cords, kill the wild deare by ceazing vpon his head, and hanging fast, doth continue beating with his * 1.295 wings, vntill the deare faintes, and then he preyes vp∣on him. And likewise of other sorts that liue vpon prey, whose manner of breeding, is in the open trees, and by the continuall watching and attending the nest, they are ready to defend and saue their young. There are no great Eagles but of a kind of small ba∣stard Eagles infinite store, and likewise seuerall sorts * 1.296 of rauening Kites and Buzzards, whereof the skin of one sort smells wondrous sweet and strong, after the savour of the Crocodile: These sorts are easily to bee discerned: for if at any time, wee hapned to kill a beast in the woods, whereby any blood were discoue∣red, although there were scarce any one of these raue∣ning birds to be seene, almost instantly, you should haue such troupes of all sorts come in, as were able to deuoure the whole carkas, if wee were not present to 〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

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affront them: And the onely meanes the people haue to finde out either Elephant, or any other beast, as they dye, or come to an vntimely end, amongst * 1.297 the thicke woods, or high reedes, is by obseruing and keeping watch to looke out where these rauening birds gather together, which is easily discerned. the nature of them being to sore, and flye in the aire a∣lost ouer the place where their prey remaineth, to which place the people repaire, and many times are sharers in the booty: And to shut vp this discourse, that it may appeare how likely it is, these birdes and fowles may well increase, wee doe not see that the people haue any ingenious conceites, either by gins, * 1.298 or otherwise to kill or take of them: but vpon any e∣speciall time, when the King is determined to make a feast, they obserue a course to take them, with the rehearsall whereof I will make an end. The greate command is sent, that all people come abroad, and being in the fields, are set, and placed seuerally, of an in different distance, the one vnto the other, when the Patridge, and gynny hennes being sprung or put vp, as their natures are to flye but an indifferent flight, so soone as he lights againe they ate ready to runne in, and put them vp, and in this manner still pursuing * 1.299 them, that they are wearyed out, and the people with their hands take them vp, and bring them to the King, euen to that number as may content him, with which their Princely pastime I heere conclude my story.

The Conclusion.

And for a finall end doe earnestly desire, that what

is written may be taken into consideration, thereby to stirre vp a more willing affection to prosecute and goe on in a timely proceeding vpon this hopefull trade, which will craue expedition in regard of these reasons following: First there is, as it were, a certaine combination made betwixt the people aboue and vs, neuer to faile them of a yearely trade, which they in their parts, (without all doubt) will caresully expect, and as they haue faithfully promised, will accordingly prouide for, and if in our parts, it should be neglected, may iustly cause them to take a great distrust of our fidelities, which in regard, we are now the first white people they haue seene, and haue from them receiued such faire approbation, may settle a distast for the present very preiudiciall, and among such a barbarous people, wee know not whether it may be easily remooued. Againe the course we run, is allowable by our Lawes, fitting and agreeing with the peacefull time we liue in, opposite to no neigh∣bourly loue or amity, neither confronting any for∣raine Prince, by entring, or intermedling within any forbidden territories, neither is it done in any war∣like, or hostile manner, but by the auncient and free Commerse, that vniteth nations, the course of mar∣chandizing, a commodious exchange answering to either side, wherein an especiall animation is, the cer∣taine knowledge we haue gained in discouering the golden trade of the Moores in Barbary, which was the first incourager and beginning of this businesse, and for which the Aduentures hitherto haue beene laide, through the vncertainety whereof, those losses and mischances that haue hapned, fell out, and there∣fore now should with a more setled resolution be fol∣lowed

to regaine, by knowledge, what ignorance miscarryed in. And I may ioyne with this, the fami∣liar conuersation, faire acceptance, and mutuall ami∣tie, we finde the natiues to embrace vs withall, not onely celaring our owne doubts, which before know∣ledge must of necessity be, but likewise disproouing, and altogether confounding the report and speeches of all those, who, to serue their owne ends, gaue out, the people aboue to bee a bloody and dangerous nation.

Againe to aduance the Aduenturer, let the alrea∣dy knowne and certaine trade be remembred, which in my owne perfect knowledge I will make good, (against all Maligners, and secret opposers) that in our staple and principall commodities, it is not vented, but at tenne for one profite; and admitte the disco∣uery should not prooue; yet there will be found places of trade sufficient, and that within the limit of faire recourse, to vent and put of such a reasona∣ble proportion as shall bring a returne of that ad∣uantage, as shall be able to beare the charge of a further search, and likewise answer the expectation here at home of any reasonable minded aduenturer, prouided they doe arme themselues by knowledge, of what those things are which are vendible, and likewise how to attaine vnto those places, and or∣der their occasions, where those returnes are to be made; whereunto is added that the expectation is not long, in respect of other voyages, when as the returne is such, that within the compasse of tenne moneths, the whole voyage is to be perfor∣med, both out and home, allowing the ship to bee set foorth from London, and to to make their her re∣turne againe.

Moreouer by the last discouery, so many hundred miles vp the Riuer, all which way is perfectly known, and from part to part obserued, and euery reach in order by me set downe, and carefully kept, which may not onely cleare any doubts and difficulties in that already knowne way, but likewise enable the iudgement for passing further, and especially order and giue directions, what boates or vessels are most apt and proper to follow the discouery withall, as well fot speedier passage, as also for the most aduan∣tage, to a more profitable returne.

And further we may take into consideration, how the times and seasons of the yeare, are vnto vs disco∣uered, that the turbulent and infectious seasons may bee prouided for, and men aduised the better to beare them, and prouide for themselues, whereby (as it shall please God to giue a blessing) those incon∣ueniences may bee auoyded, which formerly haue beene fallen into, and things more necessary carryed along, which through ignorance heeretofore haue beene neglected, together with diuerse o∣ther abuses, that by experience, no doubt, may be a∣mended.

And lastly, in taking leaue of you the noble gen∣tlemen Aduenturers in this hopefull Discouerie, let mee (vnder correction) say vnto you, Be not dis∣couraged, let not the iangling dispositions of any, whom your owne wisedomes leades you to see aime onely to make vp their owne ends, dis hear∣ten you. And if it please you examine the conditi∣on of what is past, which, if I mistake not, may bee this set downe. The first aduenture was lost, and mis∣carried through want of Care and Iudgement of

those Sea-men and Merchants who had the mana∣ging, by ouer-much trust of supposed friends, who should at the very best haue beene no otherwise thought and conceited of, then suspicious enimies, * 1.300 who haue novv discouered themselues, which will euer stand for a warning to auoyde the like, and trusting them any further: And that is all you haue for that mony.

The second may some-wayes be laid vppon the Sea-men, whose vnderstanding should haue auoy∣ded vnseasonable times, and especially Discretion should haue led them to haue shunned watering in the very height of vnseasonablenesse; but it may be excused for want of experience, insomuch as there had neuer beene any triall made, so high in the Riuer before to any effect, to discouer the vn∣holsomnesse, with the operation thereof, whereby so many of them lost their liues, and brought again another losse vpon you, wherein the power of God was manifested, by whose onely hand they fell, and those few that returned, were sent to testifie, what they had felt and fallen into, whereby you haue gained a perpetuall knowledge, for obscruing sea∣sonable times, for your better proceeding heereaf∣ter, the valuation whereof being truly vnderstood, may aduance the imployment, which onely remai∣neth in that losse, to make you satisfaction.

And for this third and last, wherein mine eyes haue beene a witnesse, how accounts are brought in, and perfected with you, I am ignorant, but I presume, as bad as it was, what with the returne that was made, and the remaynes brought home, of the Cargazon that was sent, you cannot (being

iustly dealt withall) receiue any losse; but for gaine, it was neuer intended towards you, the whole busi∣nesse being carried by those you gaue credit, and countenance vnto, with an absolute hand, to abate and discourage your desires, for wading further vppon these Aduentures, as by the manner thereof appeareth, which I haue already particularly ac∣quainted you withall, and vnnecessary to be remem∣bred heere; Onely this remaines, to make good, what I in carefull duety desired to lay open vnto you, from whence that first intent, of giuing that blow of discouragement vnto you, did arise: you haue beene since subiect to diuers other incounters, and all occasions are still earnestly pursued, to im∣brace that oportunitie, that will giue leaue or way to strike you; And whereas they seeke to discou∣rage you, yet by all publique and secret meanes can be deuised, they both haue and doe still addresse themselues, to proceed and goe on in the same ad∣uenture, as you both know, and haue had iust cause to except against. And apparent it is, that not∣withstanding you in your generous dispositions haue sate downe by the losse, yet there is that haue gained. But allovv (if it please you) all had beene lost, if you shall againe consider, vvhat charges and expences haue beene layd foorth, and disbursed in Discoueries of this nature, nay in those of farre lesse expectation; vvith the recoueries and satisfaction, that aftervvards they haue made, euen to this our natiue Countrey, vvhereof I forbeare examples, in regard they are not hidden from your true and in∣genious knowledge: Only in regard of some great resemblance, that may be to this intended business,

I may commend to your considerations, the voiage into Muscouie, wherein the Marchants haue that long passage of so many hundred leagues vp a Ri∣uer; and by a customary trade, is brought to bee held as an ordinary passage, the Countrey, being fitted accordingly, by which vse, it is now no other wayes vnto them, then (as wee may terme it heere) our Westerne passages vp the Riuer of Thames; wherein were more probability for the attaining of this we ayme at, in regard our Riuer is at all times open, and not subiect to cold, nor those extreame frosts, which to the Muscouy trade, are so great hin∣derers: So that if you would conclude amongest your selues, of a sufficient stocke, and be armed with a bancke, the ground of merchandizing, to follow resolutely your vndertaken enterprize, For so much as to mee belongeth, I dare affirme, you are vpon the most promisingst occasion, that euer in our little Iland was vndertaken, most especiall considering by how smal a charge it may be perfect∣ed wherin as experience hath made me the Writer, to a••quaint you with each particular, So likewise I ••••fe•• my selfe vp, both with my life and fortunes, ••a•••• with my vt¦ermost indeuours, in your be∣halfes, (by Gods especiall blessing) to bring to perfection, what I haue heere related, which is left with my selfe, to your worthy con∣siderations.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The trade of the Moores in in Barbary for their gold.
• * 1.2

  The Kings Ma∣iesties Letters Patents.
• * 1.3

  The first voy∣age.
• * 1.4

  The ship taken by the vagrant Portingall, and the men slaine.
• * 1.5

  The second voyage.
• * 1.6

  Captaine Thompson slain.
• * 1.7

  The third voy∣age.
• * 1.8

  The whole way from England to the Riuer, runne in 20. dayes.
• * 1.9

  The particulers handled in this booke.
• * 1.10

  These are all more largly written of, where the til∣lage of the ground is han∣dled.
• * 1.11

  We were 10 of our owne com∣pany, that went vp in a shallop, and 4 Blacke that I hired to carry vp a Canoe.
• * 1.12

  These 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.13

  The Country people haue no boates or Ca∣noos aboue the ebbing and flowing.
• * 1.14

  We laboured to get vp the Ri∣uer onely 7. houres in 24.
• * 1.15

  No townes neare the River side after wee past the ebbing and flowing.
• * 1.16

  The Descripti∣on of the Cro∣codile, whom the Country people call Bumbo.
• * 1.17

  How the people do feare him.
• * 1.18

  The manner they passe their cattle ouer the Riuer, for foare of Bumbo.
• * 1.19

  The Blackes would not goe into the Riuer.
• * 1.20

  Their answere when they went in.
• * 1.21

  The strong sent of the Croco∣dile, changing the tast of the Riuer water, & the fish were taken in it.
• * 1.22

  The desctipti∣on of the sea-horse.
• * 1.23

  The sea-horse feedes in the night vpon the shore.
• * 1.24

  A daungerous blow, by a sea-horse.
• * 1.25

  A neglect to be hereafter, care∣fully prouided for.
• * 1.26

  The Country People esteeme the sea-horse, for excellent meate.
• * 1.27

  A strange ope∣ration of a fish.
• * 1.28

  The running fish.
• * 1.29

  The nature of the riuer foule.
• * 1.30

  The manner of the peoples fishing.
• * 1.31

  The vagrant Portingall.
• * 1.32

  An especiall Caueat.
• * 1.33

  The curteous vsage of the naturall inha∣bieants.
• * 1.34

  The reward of treachery.
• * 1.35

  The misery of the Fulbic.
• * 1.36

  The cleane∣lines of the Fulby women.
• * 1.37

  The time and manner of the peoples fee∣ding.
• * 1.38

  A digression, by the Writer, for the better preseruing of mens liues and healths.
• * 1.39

  The Writers o∣pinion concer∣ning dyet.
• * 1.40

  The Cauneat must be lookt carefully to, in the setting forth.
• * 1.41

  The manner of their building:
• * 1.42

  Strange Ante∣hils.
• * 1.43

  The towne of Cassan with the manner of for∣tification.
• * 1.44

  The armes or weapons the people haue in vse.
• * 1.45

  The inhabitans custome in the night.
• * 1.46

  The great King of Cantore
• * 1.47

  The great King of Bursall.
• * 1.48

  The great King of Wolley.
• * 1.49

  These great Kings are like∣wise tributa∣ries to one great King fat ahoue in the land, as is re∣ported to vs.
• * 1.50

  The reuerence of the people to the petty Kings.
• * 1.51

  The Religious ceremony of these people
• * 1.52

  The manner of their apparrell.
• * 1.53

  The descripti∣on of their Gregories, which are tharmes they receiue from their Ma∣ry-buckes.
• * 1.54

  The number of their wiues.
• * 1.55

  Allowance of o∣ther women for necessitie sake.
• * 1.56

  The reason of that necessity.
• * 1.57

  Strict punish∣ment for vn∣chastity.
• * 1.58

  The men buy then wiues.
• * 1.59

  The widdowes buy their hus∣bands.
• * 1.60

  The subiection of the women.
• * 1.61

  No outward daliance seene amongst them.
• * 1.62

  A strange report.
• * 1.63

  The womens clothing.
• * 1.64

  The manner of taking away their wines, which in some sort is vsed in Ireland at this day.
• * 1.65

  The modesty of a new mar∣ried woman
• * 1.66

  These people stand much vpon their dig∣nity.
• * 1.67

  A daungerous quarrell be∣twixt them.
• * 1.68

  The certaine knowledge of their Kings & Gouernours and their suc∣ressors.
• * 1.69

  Their titles of honor.
• * 1.70

  Wherein their Riches consists. Great Beggers.
• * 1.71

  The temporall people great drinkers of Aquavitae.
• * 1.72

  The life of their Kings tru∣ly described.
• * 1.73

  The deposing of Kings.
• * 1.74

  The ceremony vsed betwixt the King and vs, when first we meet.
• * 1.75

  He giues his chiefe Gregory drinke first.
• * 1.76

  Their women not allowed to drinke in publike, al∣though they loue it well.
• * 1.77

  They obserue the leuiticall Law.
• * 1.78

  And haue great knowledge of the old Testa∣ment.
• * 1.79

  They marry in their own tribe and breede vp their children in their owne sects.
• * 1.80

  The Mary-bucks haue the same allowance of women the Kings or tem∣porall people haue.
• * 1.81

  This Fodee Karcere was my Alchade, and bought & sold for me.
• * 1.82

  Fodee Bram was the chiefe Ma∣ry-bucke of all the Country.
• * 1.83

  Both Priest & people weare one manner of apparrell.
• * 1.84

  The chiefe Ma∣ry-bucke, daun∣gerously sicke.
• * 1.85

  His manner of entertaining me.
• * 1.86

  The valuation of the present gaue him, which was so highly estee∣med.
• * 1.87

  The descripti∣on of the town called Setico.
• * 1.88

  The chiefe Mary-bucke wonderfull de∣suous to confer with me about our Religion.
• * 1.89

  They worship the true God aboue, whom they call Alle.
• * 1.90

  They haue no manner of Image.
• * 1.91

  They haue no Chuches.
• * 1.92

  They obserue not their Sab∣both.
• * 1.93

  The manner of teaching their male children to write, and reade.
• * 1.94

  The manner of their character.
• * 1.95

  Their law is not written in the publicke
• * 1.96

  We suppose they performe their religions ceremonies, vnder the shady trees.
• * 1.97

  They called our dwelling the white mens towns.
• * 1.98

  In any oecasi∣on of falling out betweene the people and vs, this old man would come with his Assegy present∣ly to ayde vs.
• * 1.99

  Their manner of devotion.
• * 1.100

  The death of the chiefe Ma∣ry-bucke.
• * 1.101

  The great re∣sort to his buri∣all.
• * 1.102

  They do bury the body, with∣all sweete sa∣uors and per∣fumes they can get.
• * 1.103

  The manner of buriall.
• * 1.104

  Verses and O∣rations in com∣mendations of the deceased.
• * 1.105

  A Relique of great esteeme.
• * 1.106

  The inuesting of the eldest sonne in the fathers place.
• * 1.107

  A Ramme for sacrifice.
• * 1.108

  They cal Christ by the name of Nale.
• * 1.109

  The opinion they hold con∣cerning him.
• * 1.110

  They haue bookes of great volumes all manuscripts.
• * 1.111

  The wonder∣full sobernesse of these Mary-buckes.
• * 1.112

  They abstaine from all sweete things.
• * 1.113

  A strange ex ample of absti∣nence.
• * 1.114

  The true way to know a ma∣ry-buck••.
• * 1.115

  They will tell no lies.
• * 1.116

  The marybucks manner of tra∣uaile.
• * 1.117

  They will beg of vs without deniall.
• * 1.118

  The Mary∣bucke free to trauaile in all places.
• * 1.119

  Their report of gold.
• * 1.120

  Old Mahome he ceremony at my going vp
• * 1.121

  The subtilty of his neighbour Hammet.
• * 1.122

  The trade and trauaile of the mary-bucks of Setico.
• * 1.123

  Wherewith he maintaines his greatnesse.
• * 1.124

  An ill opinion of the Mary-buckes, to bury their golde.
• * 1.125

  A good com∣moditie.
• * 1.126

  The reason of looking after Buckor Sano.
• * 1.127

  Note.
• * 1.128

  The Mary-buckes name was Selyman, the other Tom∣bo.
• * 1.129

  Samgulley a blacke boy.
• * 1.130

  Eleuen dayes trauell against the streame, wherein wee wrought eighty eight houres.
• * 1.131

  Some of our men grew fear∣full.
• * 1.132

  As bigge in bo∣dy as a great Stagge, and had wreathed bornes.
• * 1.133

  The returne of one of our messengers.
• * 1.134

  The comming of Buckor Sano.
• * 1.135

  Prouision the people brought
• * 1.136

  His going a∣boord the boat and report of our powder.
• * 1.137

  A Stalker.
• * 1.138

  The saying of Buckor Sano aboord the boate.
• * 1.139

  Hee was but once ouerta∣ken with our strong drinkes.
• * 1.140

  The great e∣steeme of salt.
• * 1.141

  He makes a proclamation.
• * 1.142

  He offers we∣men to sell vn∣to vs.
• * 1.143

  Their commo∣dities.
• * 1.144

  A markethouse made a shorc.
• * 1.145

  Warning not to take notice of their gold.
• * 1.146

  Buckor Sanos report of gold and of the houses aboue couered there∣with.
• * 1.147

  He seem'd won∣derous willing of our compa∣nies.
• * 1.148

  Buckor Sano his subtill speech.
• * 1.149

  His declarati∣on of the Moores of Bar∣bary.
• * 1.150

  Pleasing intel∣ligence being the maine bu∣sinesse wee ayme at.
• * 1.151

  Their course of trading.
• * 1.152

  An oath they obserue care∣fully.
• * 1.153

  An vnhappy accident.
• * 1.154

  A people that neuersaw white men before.
• * 1.155

  Strange bree∣ches the com∣mon people did weare.
• * 1.156

  An encourage∣ment to search further vp the Riuer.
• * 1.157

  These people had another language.
• * 1.158

  These people expect our re∣turne.
• * 1.159

  The King comes vnto vs.
• * 1.160

  Buckor Sano did alwayes eate with vs in the boate.
• * 1.161

  These exercises did commonly hold three houres in the night.
• * 1.162

  Buckor Sano made the white mens Alchade.
• * 1.163

  The acknow∣ledgment of his new title.
• * 1.164

  His mediation to the King in our behaltes.
• * 1.165

  The Kings an∣swere.
• * 1.166

  Buckor Sanos gratification.
• * 1.167

  The Kings ac∣ceptance and faire reply.
• * 1.168

  He giues vs the Country.
• * 1.169

  A strange rece∣mony in take∣ing of posses∣sion.
• * 1.170

  The possession giuen vnto me.
• * 1.171

  A great prote∣station of de∣fence.
• * 1.172

  A people markt in the face.
• * 1.173

  Obserue this Mary-Bucke.
• * 1.174

  Ferambra was Lord of his Country, and when the P or∣tingals had got the King of Nany to send horsmen to kill Thompson and his small com∣pany, hee did preserue them, and put him∣selfe & Coun∣try in armes for their defence.
• * 1.175

  The marybucke first tale.
• * 1.176

  His second discourse.
• * 1.177

  Our opinion cercerning, Trombutto and Gago.
• * 1.178

  More incou∣ragment to go further vp the Riuer.
• * 1.179

  The manner of merchandizing without speech or sight one of the other.
• * 1.180

  The report of the people with the great lippe.
• * 1.181

  The people who bought our salt had no vse of it, but for sale.
• * 1.182

  This ought speedily to be considered of.
• * 1.183

  The place cal∣led St. Iohn Marte.
• * 1.184

  Our curteous parting with Buckor Sano.
• * 1.185

  The fashion of the Irish Rimer.
• * 1.186

  Vpon this in∣strument only they play with their fingers.
• * 1.187

  A strange con sort-ship.
• * 1.188

  Their chiefest instrument.
• * 1.189

  The manner of this instrument
• * 1.190

  Their manner of daunsing.
• * 1.191

  Their Fidlers rich.
• * 1.192

  They are base∣ly esteemed of, and being dead are not buried.
• * 1.193

  The affection of Saingulley our blacke boy vnto vs.
• * 1.194

  This Bo Iohn was brother to Ferambra.
• * 1.195

  The feast of their Circum∣cision.
• * 1.196

  Samgulley ta∣ken from vs to be circumsised.
• * 1.197

  The great re∣sort to this so∣lemnity.
• * 1.198

  They that were cut, kept all to gether.
• * 1.199

  The curtesie and muth that past betwixt vs.
• * 1.200

  women looke vpon the cir∣cumcision.
• * 1.201

  Our boy cir∣cumcisised, and the manner thereof.
• * 1.202

  We were not suffered to go amongst the new circumci∣sed.
• * 1.203

  No vse of me∣dicines to cure them.
• * 1.204

  The discourse of their diuell Ho-re.
• * 1.205

  He is a mon∣strous cater.
• * 1.206

  Sumetimes 8 or 9 atonec, are carried away, and sayd to be in his belly.
• * 1.207

  Comming forth they speake not for certaine daies.
• * 1.208

  Our opinion concerning Ho-re.
• * 1.209

  How he was partly discoue∣red.
• * 1.210

  An example of the diuells con∣uerse with the Fidlers.
• * 1.211

  The Diuell could not tell the Portingall where we were friends or foes.
• * 1.212

  The trades or occupations they haue in vse, their pain∣full season of thunder and lightning, also what fruites & plants the Country yeeldes, and are growing there amongst them.
• * 1.213

  The Smith.
• * 1.214

  An excellent charcole to worke their Iron,
• * 1.215

  The Sepatero they of this trade are most ingenious.
• * 1.216

  The Potter & tobacco pipe∣maker.
• * 1.217

  They haue in the highest of the Riuer, ex∣cellent mattes.
• * 1.218

  A market kept euery monday.
• * 1.219

  No mony or coyne amongst them.
• * 1.220

  All labour to till the earth and sow their graine.
• * 1.221

  They vnder∣stand not to make their cat∣tle worke.
• * 1.222

  The manner of their painefull labours.
• * 1.223

  Their co••, or graine.
• * 1.224

  The manner of their Rice.
• * 1.225

  The planting of cotton
• * 1.226

  The misery of the people.
• * 1.227

  The times of their raines & the fearefulnes thereof.
• * 1.228

  A faire intrea∣ty to men of iudgment.
• * 1.229

  The great a∣boundance of poyson.
• * 1.230

  The nature of the first raines.
• * 1.231

  An obseruation to be kept.
• * 1.232

  A note of ex∣perience.
• * 1.233

  An obseruati∣on of the tem∣pestuous times.
• * 1.234

  They heare & speak of Christ but will not be∣leeue.
• * 1.235

  Gods mercy to vs.
• * 1.236

  A comfort to the traueller.
• * 1.237

  Plantans.
• * 1.238

  Limes.
• * 1.239

  Orenges.
• * 1.240

  Good wine sorth of a tree.
• * 1.241

  Seuerall sorts thereof. Palmeta apples
• * 1.242

  Amade drinke, called Dullo.
• * 1.243

  Gowrdes.
• * 1.244

  Locuste.
• * 1.245

  Wild hony.
• * 1.246

  Munkies meat.
• * 1.247

  A stony apple.
• * 1.248

  This fruite is of great esteeme.
• * 1.249

  They are not growing with∣in the limit we saw.
• * 1.250

  Great store brought vs, when we were aboue.
• * 1.251

  This is like our water Lilly.
• * 1.252

  The sensible tree.
• * 1.253

  All reuenous beasts in the day time keepe their dennes.
• * 1.254

  The Lyon.
• * 1.255

  His small ser∣uant.
• * 1.256

  His manner of hunting.
• * 1.257

  The causes of our knowledge.
• * 1.258

  Ounces, and Leopards.
• * 1.259

  The Ounce dangerous.
• * 1.260

  A true tale of a Child.
• * 1.261

  Ciuit Cat. Porcupine.
• * 1.262

  The Elephant.
• * 1.263

  The stature of the great ones.
• * 1.264

  He browses like a deare.
• * 1.265

  A false opinion
• * 1.266

  This was that Ferambra I noted before.
• * 1.267

  Elephants flesh good to feede vpon.
• * 1.268

  The manner how he killed them.
• * 1.269

  I brought two of these tayles away with me.
• * 1.270

  The Elephant a fearefull beast.
• * 1.271

  The peoples admiration, we durst set vpon them.
• * 1.272

  Buffelos.
• * 1.273

  Blew boores.
• * 1.274

  Antelops. Deare of all sorts.
• * 1.275

  Munkies.
• * 1.276

  Babownes a strange story.
• * 1.277

  A gouerment amongsts them
• * 1.278

  The people of the Country eate them.
• * 1.279

  The Spaniards opinion of them.
• * 1.280

  The pleoples report of a Vnicorne.
• * 1.281

  The Stalker.
• * 1.282

  The wake.
• * 1.283

  Ginney hens.
• * 1.284

  Patridges.
• * 1.285

  Quailes.
• * 1.286

  Pigeons.
• * 1.287

  Parrats.
• * 1.288

  Paraquetos.
• * 1.289

  Variety of smal birds.
• * 1.290

  A small bird withoutlegges.
• * 1.291

  A bird with foure wings, about the big∣nes of a turtle Doue.
• * 1.292

  How the birds preserue their young, from the Babouns, and Munkyes.
• * 1.293

  The su••••••••ry of the Babowne.
• * 1.294

  Another meanes of pre∣seruation.
• * 1.295

  Hawkes that will kill a Val∣low deare.
• * 1.296

  Bastard Eagles.
• * 1.297

  How the peo∣ple finde the dead beasts.
• * 1.298

  The Inhabi∣tants want knowledge to take them.
• * 1.299

  The Kings man ner of Haw∣king.
• * 1.300

  The vagrant Portingall.