Africa being an accurate description of the regions of Ægypt, Barbary, Lybia, and Billedulgerid, the land of Negroes, Guinee, Æthiopia and the Abyssines : with all the adjacent islands, either in the Mediterranean, Atlantick, Southern or Oriental Sea, belonging thereunto : with the several denominations fo their coasts, harbors, creeks, rivers, lakes, cities, towns, castles, and villages, their customs, modes and manners, languages, religions and inexhaustible treasure : with their governments and policy, variety of trade and barter : and also of their wonderful plants, beasts, birds and serpents : collected and translated from most authentick authors and augmented with later observations : illustrated with notes and adorn'd with peculiar maps and proper sculptures / by John Ogilby, Esq. ...

The TERRITORY of AQUUMBOE.

AQuumboe hath in the West, * 1.1 Ahim; in the North, Quahoe; in the South, Agwana; in East, the Countrey Abonce and Aboera; of little farther note or value than onely to be named.

Abonce.

THis small Countrey borders on the West, * 1.2 at Aquumboe; on the South, at Agwana; on the North, at Amboera; on the East, upon Great Akara, and part of Aboera.

Here is held the Market of Great Akara, though about two hours Journey behind it; whither resort out of divers Countreys several sorts of People.

Kuahoe.

KUahoe hath on the West, * 1.3 Akam; on the South, Aquumboe and Ahim; on the North, Tafoe; on the East, Aboera and Kamana.

The Inhabitants are deceitful and false, and therefore little esteem∣ed by their Neighbors.

Tafoe.

THe Countrey of Tafoe lies bounded on the West, * 1.4 by Aka; on the South, by Kuahoe; on the East, by Kammana and Kuahoe. 'Tis reported to yield great store of Gold; which the Natives bring chiefly to Abonce, but some small quantities to Moure.

Aboera.

THe Territory of Aboera hath on the West, * 1.5 Aquumboe; on the North, Kuahoe and Kammana; on the South, Abonce and Great Akara; on the East, Bonce. It possesses much Gold; which the Inhabitants of Abonce bring to the Market of Great Akara, and there Truck for foreign Commo∣dities.

Quahoe.

QUahoe hath on the South, Kammana and Small Akara; and on the West, * 1.6 Tafoe. From hence also they bring Gold to accommodate and enrich the Market of Great Akara.

Kammana.

KAmmana hath on the West, Kuahoe; on the North, Quahoe; on the South, * 1.7 Aboera and Bonoe; on the East, Equea, Lataby, and Small Akara.

The Inhabitants follow Husbandry, and not onely get their own Living thereby, but furnish and feed many of their Neighbors.

Bonoe.

BOnoe touches on the West upon Aboera; on the North, upon Kammana; * 1.8 on the South, hath Great Akara; and on the East, the Territory of E∣quea and Ningo.

The People drive a Trade, and carry their Merchandise to sell onely a∣mong their Neighbors.

Equea.

THe Territory of Equea hath on the West, Bonoe; on the North, * 1.9 Kamma∣na; on the South, Ningo; and Lataby on the North.

The Inhabitants maintain themselves by Traffick.

Lataby.

LAtaby borders on the West upon Equea and Kammana; * 1.10 on the North and East, on Small Akara; on the South, upon Ningo and Latibo.

The Natives hold here also a great Fair or Market, whither all sorts of Wares are brought; but much exceeded by that at Abonce.

Akarady.

AKarady hath for Limits in the West, * 1.11 Kammana; on the North, Quahoe; on the South, Lataby and Ningo.

This Countrey abounds with Gold, which (as likewise all that which comes to Akara) is as well cleared of Dross, as that brought by the Akarists; which the Inhabitants bring for Vent to all the adjoining Markets and Factories.

The Land hereabouts hath few Trees, and those also yielding little profit, whereas Kormantyn and other places lying upward, have many, to be admired for their fertility and usefulness.

Insoko.

INsoko lieth, * 1.12 according to the report of the Akarists, four or five days Jour∣ney from the Sea-shore; but that the Countreys between are for the most part unknown to them, because they very seldom go to Insoko, by reason of the great numbers of Thieves that haunt the Ways.

The Inhabitants make very fine Cloathes, * 1.13 whereby those, which making a safe Voyage return from thence home again, may gain vast Riches: they are bought for Royals of Eight, or other Pieces of Silver, and sometimes for fine Linnen: but as the same Akanists say, know nothing either of Gold, or Copper, neither have they any Concern in it.

Thus much as to the Countrey in general; we will now proceed to declare a more particular Relation of its Nature, Air, Plants, Beasts, Customs, and Religions, and what else obviously we meet with concerning the same.

¶ THe whole Gold-Coast, * 1.14 especially about Myna, appears Wild, Desolate, Mountainous, and full of Woods, having such narrow Ways, that two cannot go together, and those so incumbred and over-grown with Bram∣bles and Trees, that the Sun can hardly through their density be discern'd: in short, they are fit hiding-places for Thieves, and yet few such found there.

From Cape de Tres Puntas to Akara, it lies high; and higher up into the Land the Soil is fruitful, intermingled with good Pasturage, very convenient for the Feeding of Cattel in; as also for Planting of Mille and other Corn, the Shore extending East North-East.

The People here know not what a Frost means, * 1.15 so that indeed we may just∣ly say, they have no Winter, but one continual Summer, covered by the con∣tinual Heats of the Air and Sun: yet notwithstanding this certain warm tem∣perature of the Clime, hath distinguish'd the Seasons of the Year, attributing some Moneths to Summer, others to Winter, by peculiar observing the difference of the Weather: and accordingly they reckon it Winter when the Sun shines in a Perpendicular Line from the Vertical Point of the Heavens upon their Heads, which happens in April and June; and they judge it Summer when the Sun is farthest from them, which is in October, Novem∣ber,

December, and February; the reasons whereof we will endeavour briefly to give you.

In January blow along this Coast out of the South-West hard Sea-Storms, but harder in February, which sometimes bring with them a Hericane, and sometimes Rain. In the latter end of March, and beginning of April, great Tempests a rise both at Sea and Land, by the Portuguese call'd Ternados; and by the Inhabitants, Agombrettou; attended with great Rains, mixt with Thunder, Lightning, and Earthquakes, which continue to the end of May: They fore∣see the coming of this strange Weather by the clouding of the Skie in the South-East; yet then is the Sowing-time for Mille.

The Ternados past, the long Rains begin and continue in a manner without ceasing to the beginning of August.

These Rains bringing a sudden chilness upon the Air, * 1.16 which newly before was as it were parching hot, occasions oftentimes in the Bodies of Foreigners there resident, strange Sicknesses, because they know not how to preserve themselves from the Cold and Wet so well as the Blacks: and moreover, the Skins of the Blacks are so hardned by the heat, that, as if naturaliz'd, they are lit∣tle offended thereby; whereas the English and Hollanders, living in colder Cli∣mates, when they feel those violent scorchings, to them unaccustom'd, fall into violent Sweats, which by an insensible transipration exhales even the radical Moisture, and so leaving the Vitals without assistance, subject the Body to all casual Infirmities.

During the Season of Rain, viz. May and July, little or no Land-Winds stir; but from the Sea; they blow out of the South-West, and West South-West, causing the Waves to rowl very high.

In August the Rainy Season begins to cease; and yet then the Sea hath a rowl∣ing motion, with tumultuous Billows.

In September the Weather grows fair, and the Air clear, with gentle South-Winds.

In October, November, December, January, and February, they reckon the Summer; for then is the fairest Weather of the whole Year, especially in December and Janu∣ary, which have the hottest days. In February stiff Land-Winds begin to blow; one especially, among the Blacks call'd from one of their Moneths Hermanta, * 1.17 coming out of the East South-East, and continues sometimes not above three or four days, and sometimes almost a fortnight; otherwhiles a whole moneth, though very seldom: Then is the Air cold, foggy, and moist, with some sharpness; whereby many, especially Forreigners, get sore Eyes.

There are also every day two several Winds, (as we said before) the Land∣wind, beginning in the Morning, which they call Bofoe; and towards Noon, the Sea-wind, and by them call'd Agan-Brettou.

Of Fruits this Countrey is reasonably provided, * 1.18 which they feed upon the whole year.

First, there grows Rice, also Turkish Wheat call'd by the Indians, Mays; which the Portuguese brought out of the West-Indies, to the Island St. Thomas, and from thence carry'd over to the Gold-Coast to supply their necessities: For be∣fore the coming of the Portuguese, this Plant was unknown to the Inhabitants. But at this day the Countrey is fill'd therewith, whereof they chiefly make Bread.

The Mille by the Inhabitants call'd Mieuw, * 1.19 the usual Bread-Corn of the Blacks, grows there in abundance, which the Inhabitants have had from all ages.

The Seed bears a resemblance of our Tares, but sweeter of Taste, and white, and grows with long Ears like Bearded-Wheat, or Rye. It attains perfect growth and maturity in three Moneths; then being cut down, it lies in the Field a Moneth to dry: And lastly, the Ears cut off and bound in Bundles, and brought into their Huts, the Straw serves for a Cover to the Habitations. Of this (as we said) being a Juicy and excellent Grain, they make Bread with little labour, considering it must not be Ground.

They have also Potatoe's, Jams or In-Jams, which grow like Turnips, un∣der the Ground, and boil'd afford as good Food: So the Bananasses, and Ba∣koves they use with equal advantage, as we Apples or Pears.

Ananasses not much eaten, because of their tartness; yet remarkable in this, that the longer they are kept, the more they Grow.

Of Lemmons and Oranges they have great plenty; yet the Inhabitants make little use of them, for the before-mention'd reason: But the Lemmons are by the European Merchants bought up, who Press out the Juyce into Vessels to Transport.

Palmeto-Trees grow in every place, from whence they daily get so much Wine, that seldom any in the evening can be found Sober: In like manner al∣so, they get Tow to make Ropes from the Rind, and extract Oyl of Palm from the Nuts.

¶ LIving Creatures breed here of several kinds, * 1.20 both Beasts and Fowls, Wild and Tame; * 1.21 particularly Elephants, white Tygers, Leopards, and other Beasts of Prey, frequenting the Woods.

An Elephant is in the Minish Tongue call'd Osson; * 1.22 A Tyger, Bohen: Hares also, and Harts, Staggs, Hinds, and Dear, like those in our Parks, onely their Horns like Goats.

There are many Dogs, * 1.23 call'd by them Ekia, or Kua; and Cats as in Europe: but the Dogs are sharp Snouted, and of more various Colours; as Black, Red, Yellow, White, and Spotted; otherwise not much differing from ours in Shape, but much in Nature; for they will run away when men strike them, without making any kind of Noise, but not without Biting, though they can∣not Bark.

These Dogs they so frequently Eat, * 1.24 that in many places they are brought to Market, and driven Coupled with Cords one to another. The first Gift that a man gives when he Buys his Nobility, is a Dog. The Blacks keep many of them, and have them in great esteem.

Cats, * 1.25 which they term Ambaio, are much cherish'd, for their killing Mice, wherewith the Inhabitants of the Cities and Towns are much pester'd; and their Flesh serves them for Food.

Bulls call'd in the Minish Tongues, Nanne Bainin; Cows, Nanne Boewesja; Oxen, * 1.26 Ennan or Nanna; and Sheep, Cabrietes; of which last there are very few found, and those seldom kill'd. The Cows and Oxen are small body'd like Yearling Calves, having Horns standing cross; but the Females never give any Milk. The young Calves call'd Nanne Bay, very bad Food, caus'd by the dry∣ness of the Pasture, and heat of the Countrey.

Hens were brought hither by the Portuguese, * 1.27 from St. Thomas Isle, and have wonderfully increas'd, to the great refreshing of Merchants, and Strangers, when they come on Shore: They grow fat as Capons by the feeding on Mille, but are small Body'd, and lay Eggs, not much greater than Pigeons.

The Pigeons, brought thither also by the Portuguese, * 1.28 are in the Countrey Phrase call'd Abronama, that is, The White men's Fowl. They differ little from those among us, onely smaller Headed.

Swine, which they name Ebbio, were Transported thither first from Portugal; * 1.29 but their Flesh by the change of the Climate becomes unsavoury, so that they run wild as a prey fit onely for ravenous Beasts.

The Dutch carry'd thither some Geese, which the Blacks call Apatta, and make a choice Dainty at their chiefest Festivals.

They have no Horses; and if one be presented to them, they kill, and eat it.

But Apes, or Monkies, are almost innumerable. * 1.30

Gatamountains breed here of two sorts; one with white Beards, * 1.31 black Faces, and a speckled Skin, white under their Bellies, with a broad black List on their Backs, and black Tails; the other, with white Noses; all which are catcht by the Blacks with Snares, hang'd on the Trees.

There are also some Civet-Cats, call'd Kankan.

¶ THe Fowl here are not onely numerous, but bold, * 1.32 by reason they are seldom shot or catcht; some bearing the same shape with those of Eu∣rope; other differing, and strange: As first, blew Parrots, which taken young out of their Nest, learn much better to speak, than such as have flown Wild; but they never learn to Speak so plain as the green Brasilian Parrots.

There are also a kind of Green Birds, with Orange Spots on their Bills, and long Tails, which the Blacks call Ahuront, and we, Paraketo's: * 1.33 and an∣other like the former, somewhat bigger, and of a Blood-red Colour, with a black Spot on their Bills, and a black Tail.

A kind of Gold-Finch, yellow Body'd, Breeds here likewise, but for fear of the Serpents and other venemous Beasts, build their Nests on slender Boughs of high Trees. In the Fields, amongst the Mille, Nest a sort of Bull-Finches, which the Blacks put alive in their Mouths, and eat with the Skin and Feathers on: so Sparrows also, and many other small Birds.

There are other Birds like Cranes, with a head like a Turky-Cock, but so mischievously devouring, that the Blacks to prevent their coming down, carry them Food to the Mountains: they continually dabble in the Dirt, and all manner of noisome Filth, that they stink, even at a distance, as bad as the most loathsome Carrion.

Also Water-Snipes, Turtle-Doves, with a black Ring on their Necks; Phea∣sants, Spotted with white, but the Flesh unsavoury; and Peacocks, in shape like ours, but with some difference of Feathers.

The Bird Pettoir the Blacks look upon as a great Presager of good or ill Fortune, and therefore esteem it much.

The Cranes, Hearons, Storks, Crows, and Lapwings, differ not much from those with us; onely the Crows are Parti-colour'd, such as we have in England about Royston, and therefore styl'd, Royston-Crows.

Owls, Batts, Gnats, and great black Pismires, that make holes in the earth like Field-Mice, and do much hurt to Bees, which they rob both of Honey and Wax.

Land-Crabbs, or Tortoises, by them call'd Bonzeronzes, of a Purple Colour, * 1.34 which keep under ground like Moles, they eat with delight, as a most desira∣ble Dainty.

Serpents and Adders, of an extraordinary magnitude, are found here, * 1.35 using

both the Land and Water; having a Belly and Mouth so big, that they can swallow Hens, and Geese whole: Some of the Negro's think their flesh fit to be eaten; but how it nourishes, their Diseases caus'd by such foul Feeding, give the best account.

Sometimes these Countries are plagu'd with Locusts, * 1.36 which come flying out of Arabia in such numerous Shoals, * 1.37 as cloud the Sun; and where they fall, eat up all they find, whether Corn, Grass, or Fruits; which certain hazard, makes the People so careless and unconcern'd for the future, that they never lay up any Store of Corn, but Sow and Plant onely so much, as they guess they may spend in the whole Year.

Divers Villages lying near the Sea, * 1.38 have Salt-Pans; as Antin, Labbede, Sinko, and others; but the best are at Antin, and Sinko: from whence carry'd thorow the whole Countrey to be sold.

They make their Salt very Fine and White, * 1.39 and with little trouble, by rea∣son it needs to be but once boyl'd. When made ready in manner aforesaid, they put it into small Rush Baskets, like Loaf-Sugar, covering it over with green Leaves, that it may not grow brown by the heat of the Sun.

The whole Countrey produces Gold, * 1.40 which the Blacks call Chilea; some found on the Shore, and at Low-water, sought for by the Women, and found by Pie∣ces, to the valew of a Noble.

But that which chiefly comes to Europe, * 1.41 is Digged out of the Rivers, or Mynes by the Blacks, far up within Land, and by them brought, and sold to those of Fantyn, Akanian, Adom, Akara, and other places, in Barter for European Wares; for few which live in these places, know the Mynes, nor hath any Whites ever been by, or near the same: For every particular King sets secure Guards upon the Mynes within his Dominion, wherein he imploys his Slaves to work; and when he hath gotten a quantity together, he Trafficks for it with others, lying nearer the Shore; till by the passing through many hands, it at last arrives in the Trading Ships of the European Merchants.

In some places, * 1.42 especially at the plentiful Gold-River Atzine, under the Cliffs and Water-falls, shooting down from the Mountains, Gold is taken up, in this manner: They Dive with a hollow Woodden Tray to the bottom, and rake there among the Earth, Stones, and all that they can come at; with which ha∣ving filled their Dishes, they come up above Water, and washing the Mass, find the Gold; for sometimes whole pieces are wash't down by force of the Water, through the Gold-Veins; whereof the King of Egwira hath a great many, which he keeps for his Fancy, ascribing a secret Power and Vertue to it.

Sometimes they get by this Diving good store of Gold, but otherwhiles in whole days make no advantage.

Besides this Diving, * 1.43 Gold is found in divers other manners, viz. in pieces like Beans, or in Dust as small as Sand, or Filings of Copper; yet being very ragged, like broken Coral, or Stone, and intermingled with Grit, Clay, or Earth, which they cleanse in the running Streams; yet not so, but that much Dross remains among it.

Many hold opinion, * 1.44 that all the Gold found and had near the Coast of Guinee, is gotten within twenty miles of the Sea-shore, in a Tract of Land from Cape de Tres Puntas, till they come beyond Pichy and Sinko; so concluding, for that they of Soko, lying onely three or four days Journey from the Shore, know of no Gold, neither have they any Trade in it; and beyond Pichy and Sinko they have scarcely heard how they dig it.

[illustration]

Adjoining to the Village Little Commendo, near the Sea, lies a Hill, * 1.45 which ap∣pearing to contain in its bowels much Gold, in the Year Sixteen hundred twenty two, the Inhabitants begun to dig for it, but because they were ig∣norant in the method of Myning, the hollowed Earth fell in, smothering di∣vers of the Workmen: wherefore the King of Guaffo by advice Issued out an Edict, that none might dig any more therein; and so that Work remain'd ever since unattempted.

The Natives make strange reports of unusual Apparitions within the Mynes, as that sometimes there is such a noise and tumult heard, * 1.46 that none dares stay there; and that otherwhiles the Laborers are driven thence by force and violence, without seeing any thing; and that sometimes a Golden Dog, or such like Beast appears to them on a sudden, and straightway vanishes again. Things that to lighter Judgments may seem fabulous, yet credited by Antiquity, and, as we may suppose, not without reason; * 1.47 for they making Pluto the God of Riches, 'tis no marvel if he defend his Possession, thus vio∣lently, and without his leave, invaded and ransacked. But whether those re∣lated Fancies of the Blacks be true or not, signifies little; however, this we may be infallibly assur'd of, that this Gold is gotten with great labor and trou∣ble: for if any can find two or three * 1.48 Englishes in Gold in a whole Day, he hath labor'd very hard, and hath gotten a good days Wages for his pains.

The Air, to all but its Natives, proves very unwholsom, * 1.49 as experi∣ence teacheth: for all Strangers which lie on Shore, whether in Forts or Store-houses, are afflicted with grievous and mortal Sicknesses; whereas on the contrary, the Indigenae look fresh, live healthy, and attain to a great Age.

Some of the most Ingenious Blacks attribute the cause thereof to the multi∣plicity of Lightning and Thunder; whose frequency diffuseth the Infection, as the two sorts of Winds from Sea and Land, dissipate unhealthy Fogs and Vapors.

Foreigners which come to Guinee, * 1.50 especially this Gold-Coast, are very much tormented with Worms breeding in their Bodies; so also are the Blacks about Myna; whereas those that live four and twenty miles lower Easterly, are al∣ways free from that trouble.

These Worms call'd Ikkon, do not affect every one equally that hath been there, but some sooner, others later: some get them while they are yet upon the Coast; others in their Voyages; a third after the ending of their Voyage, nay, four, five, six, yea, twelve Moneths after their coming home; and others have been two or three times there, and never had any touch of them.

From whence they have their original and breed, * 1.51 hath been much dispu∣ted: some lay the cause upon their excessive use of Venus, some upon their eating of Fish which have Worms in their Bodies, or upon much Swim∣ming and running into the cold Water; others, that they proceed from the over-much Drinking of Palmito-Wine, eating of Kankaiens, that is, their Bread made of Mille: but all these seem meer Fancies, without a shew of reason; for divers in all those particulars most temperate, have nevertheless this Distem∣per; whereas on the contrary, others the most loose and debauched have ne∣ver had any of them. But those speak with most probability, who say that these Vermine proceed either from a peculiar Malignity in the Air, or from drinking of the Water which the Negro's draw out of Wells in some places, and sell to the Whites: for most true it is, that several have drank much Water, and yet not been afflicted with Worms, but then they resided at Akara, and other adjacent places; but those which lie before Moure, and drink of that Wa∣ter, shall be tormented with that Elminthick Evil.

These Worms breed in several manners; * 1.52 in some they bring Fevers, or sha∣king Agues; in others, fainting Fits, with great pain: in some they cause Frensie; some can neither go nor stand, or lie, or sit, while others scarce feel a Distemper. They shew themselves with a little Pimple or red Spot, hard in the Flesh; wherein sometimes may be seen the Worms between that and the Skin: at last they cause Ulcers upon the Ball of the Foot, on the Arms, Knees, Thighes, or Hips, and indeed in all fleshy places, continuing with some near three Moneths, whereas others have scarce any pain three Weeks, yet perhaps have ten Worms hanging out of the Flesh and Skin at once.

The Worms are of several lengths and bigness; * 1.53 some a Yard, others a Yard and a half long, and some shorter; but generally as thick or big as the Bass-String of a Theorboe.

The Cure cannot be perfected till the Worm breaks through the Skin, * 1.54 and thrusts out his Head; then they tie it, that it may not creep in again, and at length draw it quite out; which they do by winding the end hanging out about a Spoon: if in the extracting it happens to break, there commonly en∣sueth a renewing of the Wound. The Blacks never use any means, but onely wash the affected part with salt Water. But the best Cure is to cleanse the Body of putrifi'd humors, and to anoint the place with fresh Butter. In the performing which Cure, the Place where the Worm appears must be defend∣ed against Cold, to prevent swelling and exulceration.

The Negro's, * 1.55 among other Sicknesses, are very subject to the Venerial Pox; which they cure by drinking Sarsaparilla.

Wounds, by them call'd Mapira, growing from Blows, they cleanse little, without using any Medicine, because they have none, nor any Chirurgions to apply them.

Swellings which will not ripen, or come to Suppuration, * 1.56 they cut with three or four long slashes, then let it heal of it self; whence it comes that they have so many Cuts and Scars in their Bodies.

They use no artificial Pbloebotomy, * 1.57 but onely cut the Flesh till the Blood comes out.

All the help they give the Sick, is to Shave them, if Parents or Chil∣dren, otherwise they will not offer them one drop of Water or Oyl, but let them perish with hunger and perplexity. The Sick are call'd Myarri, and mor∣tal Diseases Jarbakkasi, and a dead Body Ou.

The Men are of a middle Stature, free and airy of disposition, well made, * 1.58 strong Limm'd, and swift of Foot, with round Faces, midling Lips, but flat or Camosi'd Noses, (with them a beauty) little Ears, white Eyes, with great Eye∣brows, and great Teeth, that shine, and are as white as Ivory, caused by rub∣bing them with hard Wood, wherewith they keep them always very neat and clean. Their Visages seem to shine with Sweat, or else foul'd with Dirt, Scurf and Nastiness; continuing Beardless till thirty years old: their Shoulders broad, Arms brawny, with great Hands and long Fingers, whereupon they let their Nails grow like Claws, sometimes to the length of a Joynt, and as a great ornament, is especially used among the Nobility. Lastly, they have little Bel∣lies, broad Feet, long Toes, and furnish'd, as most of the Blacks upon the Guinee Coast, with large Propagators.

They have quick and ready Wits, to help in any sudden emergency, * 1.59 and shew themselves withall very considerate, whereunto they adde great craft and subtlety. Covetousness they learn from their Cradles, which makes them always craving, and with such petulancy, as not to receive a denial. Courteous enough in outward appearance to Strangers, but envious, and gi∣ven to revenge amongst one another; and where they can play the Masters, fear not to manifest their Ambition, Treachery, domineering and supercilious Tyranny.

The People neighboring the Shore, both Men and Women, * 1.60 have great skill in Swimming; but the Men within Land use it so little, that they seem afraid at the sight of any great River. They can keep long under Water, and Dive exceeding deep; wherefore the Portugals bring of the expertest from hence to the West-Indies, to use them in the Pearl-fishing in the Island Margaretta. Children not exceeding two years of Age betake themselves instantly to the Water, and learn to Swim, because unskilfulness therein is counted a great shame.

The Women are slender-Body'd, and cheerful of disposition, but have such great Breasts, that they can fling them over their Shoulders, and give their Children Suck that hang at their backs.

They have great inclinations to Dancing; * 1.61 so that when they hear a Drum or other Instrument, they cannot stand quiet, but must shew their Skill. They meet usually in the Evenings to Revel; while some Dance, others Play upon Instruments, as Copper Panns, struck with Buttons, or Drums made of a hol∣low Tree, and cover'd over with a Goats Skin, or such like barbarous Musick. They Dance commonly two and two together, * 1.62 Leaping and Stamping with their Feet, Snapping with their Fingers, and Bowing their Heads one to ano∣ther; some have Horses Tails in their Hands, which they cast one while upon one Shoulder, and one while upon the other; others with Wisps of Straw in their hands, which they let fall, then again suddenly reaching it, they

cast it up aloft, and catch it in their hands. This Dancing having continu'd an hour, or an hour and a half, every one returns home. Besides these Evening-Pastimes, they have a sort of Dancing-Schools, wherein the younger Breed are taught.

These People are seldom free from Lice, * 1.63 and Fleas, although they keep themselves clean in their Bodies, for they Wash every Morning and Evening from Head to Foot, and anoint themselves with Oyl of Palm, or Suet, to make them look Smooth, and that the Flies may not bite their Naked Body. The Women moreover anoint themselves with Civet, and fine smelling Herbs, to be the more acceptable to their Husbands. They count it a great shame to Break Wind in the presence of any: they never do their Easement upon the ground, but make a Hut, whereinto they retire, and when full, burn them to Ashes. They cannot Evacuate their Water in a continu'd Current, as usual in humane Creatures, but rather like Hoggs, by intermissive girdings.

When they meet any of their Friends or Acquaintance in the Morning, * 1.64 they Salute them with great Courtesie, Imbracing one the other in their Arms, and closing the two first Fingers of the Right Hand, snap two or three times toge∣ther, each time bowing their Heads, and saying, Auzy, Auzy, that is, Good Mor∣row, Good Morrow.

Another (as it were) innate quality they have to Steal any thing they lay hands of, * 1.65 especially from Foreigners, and among themselves make boast there∣of, as an ingenious piece of Subtilty; and so generally runs this vicious humor through the whole Race of Blacks, that great and rich Merchants do sometimes practise small Filching; for being come to the Trading Ships, they are not at rest till they have taken away something, though but Nails, or Lead, that is Nail'd to the outside of the Ships to prevent Worm-eating: which no sooner done, then with a singular sleight of hand, they convey from one to another; but if they chance to be trapp'd, they all leap instantly over-Board for fear of Beating; but if caught, and soundly Bastinado'd, then as past doubt of other punishment, they never avoid the Ship, but come again the next day to Trade.

They little esteem any Promises made to Foreigners, * 1.66 but break them if they can see any advantage in it; in brief, they are a treacherous, perjur'd, subtle, and false People, onely shewing Friendship to those they have most need of. When they make a Promise or Oath to the Whites, they cast their Face to the Ground; then bowing, speak these words thrice, Jau, Jau, Jau, every time stri∣king their hands together, and stamping upon the ground with their feet, and lastly kiss their Fetisy, or Sants, which they wear upon their Legs, and Arms.

Most of their Food is Bread, * 1.67 by them call'd Kankaiens, Bak'd or Boil'd of Mille, * 1.68 mix'd with Oyl of Palm, and sometimes with green Herbs; the Mille they prepare by Pounding in a Stone-Mortar, afterwards cleanse it in a Woodden Shovel; then the Women Grinde it every day twice upon a flat Stone, which stands a mans height from the Earth, with another Stone a Foot long, just as the Painters usually Grind their Colours, which is no small la∣bour, though little regarded by the men: Thus made into Meal, they mingle it with water, and make Cakes or Balls as big as both ones Fists, which they Boyl or Bake upon a hot Hearth, bound up in Cloth. Others add thereto Maizr.

They seldom eat Flesh, * 1.69 but all sorts of Fish; Potatoes also, and Injames, which they Boyl; as also Bananasses, Bakovens, Rice, and several other sorts of Fruit which the Countrey affords.

Their daily Drink is Water and Palm-Wine; * 1.70 yet they make another Li∣quor of Mace, which they call Poitou.

The Men Drink stoutly, especially hot Liquors, such as Palm-Wine, * 1.71 Bran∣dy, and other Wine, so that the Evening seldom sees them Sober: In Drink∣ing they use strange Customs; for the first Drinker must lay his Hands upon his Head, and with a loud voyce cry out Tautosi, Tautosi: After Drinking they poure a little as an Oblation to their Fetisi upon the Earth, crying aloud I. O. U. which if they omit, they are perswaded it will do them no good, but vomit it up presently.

Nor have they a less Voracity in Eating, being scarcely satisfi'd with Food; * 1.72 their Caninus Appetitus being so insatiate, that when they have as it were but newly swallow'd the last, they will fall to afresh, as if pin'd for hunger: nor do they chew it like us, but take it in broken Gobbets with the three middle-Fingers, * 1.73 and throw them into their Mouthes down their Throat, without ever casting it beside.

¶ WAlled Cities they have none, nor good Towns near the Sea, * 1.74 onely upon the Shore some Villages appear, of no great consequence, be∣ing ill-favoredly built, and worse order'd; for they so stink of Dirt and Filthi∣ness, that sometimes when the Land-Wind blows, the Stench may be smell'd a mile and a half in the Sea. The Towns more within the Land are much bigger, and fuller of Trade, and People who live more at ease; for such as live at the Sea, are Interpreters, Brokers, Rowers, Skippers, or Seamen, Ser∣vants, Fishers, and Slaves of the other. But although, as we said, the Towns lie open round about, and not inclosed; yet they are commonly built in pla∣ces of Defence: for they stand on high Hills, encompassed with Woods, and have no other comings to them, but through small Paths, which are easily to be defended.

Their Houses are very sleight, and little better than Hog-Styes, * 1.75 or at the best like the Tents in Forts, or Bulwarks, being erected in the following form: Four Trees, or Posts, to a Man's heighth, are set in a Square in the Earth, * 1.76 and next those other Posts laid and bound fast; round about this Draft are ma∣ny small Sticks placed one by the other, and bound so close together that they cannot put a hand between them, and Plaister'd from the top to the bottom with Loam of yellow Earth, to the thickness of almost half a Foot, which the heat of the Sun dries so hard as a Stone; within the House, in stead of Paint∣ing or Whitening, they lay another Stuff of red, white, or black Earth, which made thin with Water, they daub over with a Straw-wisp, * 1.77 and is the chiefest Pride, and greatest ornament of their Habitations. The Roof consists of two four-square pieces, made of Palm-Tree Leaves, standing sloaping aloft, and bound close together when it rains; * 1.78 but ordinarily set open with two sticks in fair Weather, that the Sun may shine into their Houses: The Entrance or Door is a square hole, made at one side with a Shutter of Rushes before it, which can be open'd and shut, * 1.79 being made fast with a cord or rope of Mille-straw: The Floor compacted of Red-earth, laid very flat and even with a round hole in the middle, to set the Pot with Wine de Palm in, when they drink with one another. Commonly such a House is built in eight or ten days, and one may buy it for twenty Shillings, or little more. Three or four of these Huts always stand together in a square, with a Yard in the middle, where the Wo∣men boyl their Meat, hedg'd about with Straw of Mille to the heighth of a Man.

In this manner the Houses stand all in a heap, onely parted by the afore∣mention'd Straw of Mille, and no farther distant from one another, than that one man can go between; so that the Passages are meerly narrow Alleys, and very slippery in the time of Rain, by reason of the fatness of the earth; but they dry up again in Sun-shiny Weather as hard as stone.

The Mansions of the Braffo, * 1.80 or Governor, stand commonly by the Market, and hath none other adjoyning thereto, but onely those of his Wives and Children; they are somewhat larger and bigger than those of the common people, and cover'd with Straw of Mille. His People and Guards have every one a particular Chamber. In the middle of his Court stands a square Hut, open round about, but cover'd on the top, wherein he sits in the day-time with his Nobility that come to speak with him. Before the Court-Gate stands always two Pots in the Ground with fresh Water, for their Fetiso to drink out of.

The best of their Houshold-stuff is commonly one or two wooden Chests, * 1.81 bought of the Whites, wherein they Lock all they possess; so that little can be seen in their Houses. They have some Kalabasses, which they call Akoffo, made of the Straw of Mille, wherein they commonly carry their Wares and other Goods to sell. Their Arms, such as Shields, Assagays, or Launces, hang on the Wall for Ornament. The remaining part of their Goods consists in a Mat to sleep on, two or three stumps of wood for Stools, a Pot or two to boyl in, two or three Kalabasses to drink Palm-Wine out of, and a great Kettle to wash themselves in.

Along the whole Coast the Inhabitants use light and nimble Boats, * 1.82 or Sloops; by them call'd, Ehem; by the Portuguese, Almades; and by the English and others, Canoos: with which they go some Leagues to Sea, and row up the Rivers from one place to another: * 1.83 They are made of one entire piece of Wood, or the body of a Tree cut long-ways with Cutting-Knives; then made hollow on the sides, and narrow above, with a flat bottom, and without any covering over head; the Ends before and behind narrow, and close together as a Hand-bow, and almost in the same fashion; the Head somewhat lower, the Sides a finger thick, and the Bottom two: And after the hollowing, they burn the Wood with Straw, to prevent Worms, and cleaving by the Sun.

At each End the Canoo hath a Bowe like a Galley, * 1.84 a foot long, and a Knob a hand thick, whereby the Blacks carry them in and out of the Water upon their shoulders; for they suffer them not to lie soaking in the water, but set them upon Props to dry; by which means they both preserve them from rot∣ting, and make them more pliable and swift in the using. Behind they have a Rudder like an Oar, being a long Stick with a round leaf at it: The com∣mon ones, * 1.85 wherewith they go out a Fishing, are generally sixteen foot long, and one and a half, or two foot broad. Those made for the Wars, and to car∣ry Beasts or other Wares, are five and thirty and forty foot long, five broad, and three foot high; some so large, that fifty or sixty men may stand in them with their Arms; which sort are made about Cape de tres Puntas, because there grows mighty large Trees, being seventeen or eighteen fathom in thick∣ness.

They lie not high with their Sides above water, but oftentimes he that steers the Helm, sits with his body most in the water: The small ones will hold onely one man in the Breadth, but seven or eight in the Length; which are rowed with Oars made of hard wood, in shape of a Spade, with an ex∣traordinary

[illustration]

Fol: 4 5 3

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Fol: 4 5 4

dexterity Galley-fashion; and make such swift way in Still-wa∣ter, that they seem to flye; but in Rough-water they will not go forward so fast: The smaller sort, by reason of their narrowness, overset very easily which the Negro's with great facility turn and leap into again.

Furthermore, for the prevention of Mishaps, and as good Omens of a hap∣py Voyage, they deck them with several Fancies and Conceits; as the Ears of Mille, and other painted Emblems and Devices. Some when they go a long Journey, kill (to the Honour of their Fetisi) a Sheep or Buck, and hang the same open'd at the head of their Canoo for a show.

The Inhabitants of Mongoba, Konda-Quoia, Ruono-Monou, * 1.86 and some others in Gessymonou, use no Canoos; but the Korredebo's, near Rio de Galhinas or Maqualbary, and such as have many Lakes in their Countrey, pass over in Canoos. All others make Bridges, which they fasten on the other side of the River to Trees, and bind them fast with small Ropes, which serve in stead of Railes to hold by, that by the swinging they may not fall off. These Bridges they make, how wide soever the Rivers be, and go with heavy burthens over them, and by rea∣son of their shaking, call them Jenge, Jenge, and extraordinarily necessary, by reason of the fierce Cataracts of Water falling from the high Cliffs, sufficient to bear down fixed Bridges, and altogether unpassable by Canoos.

The men of all degrees go habited, either in Linnen, * 1.87 or Cotton Cloth girt round about their middle, and hanging down to their Knees.

They have a great fancy in Shaving their Hair, * 1.88 wherein they observe no particular fashion; for one cuts it like a half-Moon, another Crossways, the third with three or four Tufts; so that amongst fifteen men, hardly two are alike.

They wear as an Ornament on their Arms, Rings of Ivory, strip'd and streak'd with Crosses, three or four on one Arm, and about their Necks a String of Venetian Crystal, or Coral, which they break into pieces; but persons of Eminency wear them commonly of Gold: As also on their Legs, Strings of small Christal, mix'd with Golden Studds, and other Ornaments of Gold. At their Feet they have commonly some Wisps, or other stuff hanging, kept for their Sants which they call Fetisies. On their Heads some wear Caps made of the Peeling of Trees, with a long Tail ty'd to it, in stead of a Hat-band, dy'd and drawn with several Colours. Others have Caps or Hats of Sedge or Reeds; a third, Hats with broad Brims, Woven of green Bulrushes; a fourth, made of Dogs-skins, and Cabriets or Sheep-skins.

The Women go Apparell'd in Linnen for the most part, fasten'd or ty'd close under their Breasts, somewhat above the middle, and reaching to the Knees with a Girdle of a hand-breadth, Red, Blew, or Yellow, to which hang their Knives, Purses, and Keys for an Ornament; besides many Tassels of their Sants or Fe∣tisies.

Thus they go Cloth'd in the house, but when they walk abroad, they lay off this Garment, and washing their Bodies from top to Toe, put on a longer, co∣ming down to their Feet like a Petticoat, over which, as the former, girt close, being Mantlewise, they throw another of Say, or other such thin Stuff.

Their Heads are finely drest, and their Hair neatly Plaited, * 1.89 in the midst with a Tuft, trim'd round about with Strings, anointed with Oyl of Palm; in their Hair they have usually long slender Kammeties or Bodkins, with two Teeth, about the length of a Finger, with which they thrust in their Hair, when any thing troubles them; also in Salutation they draw these Bodkins out of their Heads,

and stick them in again. Upon their Foreheads they have three or four Cuts, about the length of the first Joynt of a Finger; so also on their Cheeks, which being swell'd up, they Paint with several Colours: Beneath their Brows, they make white Strokes, and stick their Faces full of white Spots, which at a di∣stance seem like Pearls. They hang in their Ears Brass and Tin Rings, and put on their Arms, Copper and Ivory Armlets; and on their Legs Rings of Copper. Young unmarri'd Maids wear many small Iron wreath'd Rings on one Arm.

But the chiefest Pride consists in their Shining Teeth, which they pick and rub with a certain piece of Wood, till they become as smooth, clean, and white, as polish'd Ivory.

The People lying near the Shore, * 1.90 maintain themselves either by Fishing, Boiling of Salt, Tilling of Land, or Merchandise; as also, by being Factors and Interpreters to those which come out of the Countrey with Gold, to Trade upon the Coasts with the Whites; but the Inland, some by Husbandry, others by Trading, many by Plaiting Caps of Bulrushes, or Dogs or Kabriten skins. Others Weave Caps, Purses, and Garments of the Peeling of Trees, Painted with all sorts of Colours, and very Artificially made, as though Woven of Flax or Hemp.

The Inhabitants of Atzyn, Ante, Guaffo, Terra Pekine, and Cabo Cors, maintain themselves by Fishing: Those of Little-Inkassia, by Husbandry and Burning of Lime.

They of Labbede, though lying near the Sea, make their best livelyhood by keeping of Cattel, and making of Salt.

The Blacks of the Town Moure, use the Fishing Trade, but the chiefest help they have is Merchandize, and to entertain the Akanists, which come to them with Gold.

The People of Sabou, as most of the Inlanders, bestow their whole time and labour in Tilling and Manuring their Fields, whereby in the Town Moure, ly∣ing on the Sea-Coast, in the Kingdom of Sabou, Provision of Mille, Injam's, Fruit, Hens and other things, may be had cheaper than in any other place of the Gold-Coast.

Their manner of Tillage proves very laborious, * 1.91 being done by the hand, without help either of Horses or Oxen; and besides, they are forc'd to clear the Land of Wood, which cut down to ground, the Stumps and Roots they burn to Ashes, which serve them in stead of Marl, or Dunging.

The Seed-time, * 1.92 with them begins commonly on the twentieth of April, in the Rainy-Season, when the Soyl is moistned and become soft; then every man with his whole Family goes into the Field, and takes his best Cloathes and Jewels with him, * 1.93 wherewith he adorns his Wife, Children, and Slaves; giving them also plenty of Victuals, with Wine of Palm; in the Evening re∣turning home, follow'd by his Retinue, Singing and Dancing.

The next day they begin to Sow the Land of their King and Braffo, * 1.94 or Captain of the Town under whom they live: for which they are entertain'd with Wine of Palm, boyl'd Mutton, and other Food: afterwards every Man takes care for himself. In the midst of the Field, so soon as the Mille springs up, and comes to Blossom, they erect a little wooden Hut, Thatcht with Straw, where they set their Children to keep little Birds out of the Corn.

These People are so Lazy, * 1.95 that seldom any of them will sow more than he shall have need of that Year for his Family; whereupon oftentimes, by ill-thriving

of the Grain, caus'd by excessive Drowth, or the multitude of Lo∣custs, there ariseth a great Famine: yet these in certain hazards prevail not to make them more industrious; one reason whereof among other may be, for that none have any propriety in Land, but the King holds all Woods, * 1.96 Fields, and Lands, so that none without his leave may Sowe, or Cultivate to his best advantage for improvement.

Every man may take as many Wives as he pleaseth, or can maintain: * 1.97 and besides, if he enjoy other women, his Wives may not hinder him from so do∣ing; but he must give every one of them the worth of five or six Shillings to sa∣tisfie and quiet them; whereas on the other side, if the Woman flies out to an∣other man, the Husband may put her away and sell her.

When a young Man hath intention to Marry, * 1.98 and hath seen a Maid he likes, he requests the Parents to have her to his Wife (which if she be not a Slave) they will easily consent to, especially if the Bride-Gift be offer'd, that is, about a Mark, for the Parents, and as much in two little Cloathes for the Bride, who then is brought to the House with her Companions, who stay there with her for eight days, that the Bridegroom may settle his Affections, and make him∣self acquainted with the Maid.

And notwithstanding that the Blacks along this Coast have so many Wives, * 1.99 yet in Atzyn, and in all the adjoyning Countreys, by Custom, at every Town they keep two or three others, which they call Abrakrees; concerning whom the Cabosero's have a great Ceremony perform'd in this manner: First they set these Curtizans there with much Laughter and Sport upon a Straw-Mat to show; whereupon one of the eldest among them takes a young Hen, and opens the Bill of it with a Knife, letting some drops of Blood fall upon her Head, Shoulders, and Arms. In the mean time denouncing Death to any of them that shall take for the Hire of their Prostitution above three or four Kakravens; all that she gets she must give to the Cabo-Sero; * 1.100 for which she hath the liberty to go into any House, and eat without reproof or denial; * 1.101 so may she in the Market, and not be refused upon a great Penalty. When this is done, one of the Company is sent aside with her, who having searched her, and return∣ing testifies her to be a sound Woman: then with the rest of her fellow-Strum∣pets being washed, and sitting down upon a Mat, a Basket of Bread is put into their hands, and Chalk or Sand strowed upon the Shoulders, Arms and Breasts. Lastly, they run into the Town with great mirth and clamor, Dan∣cing; and drinking Wine of Palm, or Bordon. The following day they sit upon their setled place, where all that go by must give two or three Kakroves.

¶ IN Burying the Dead they make great Lamentations and Mournings, * 1.102 People of all sorts attending it to the Grave. Persons of Quality are laid in a Chest, others bound in a Mat with their best Garments, and some Or∣naments of Gold, but they take them away as soon as the Corps is laid in the Ground, and lay another Garment or two in the place, with some Goats-Flesh for Food in their Journey to the other World.

When a King, or other great Lord dies, * 1.103 the Funeral concludes with the death of some Slaves, and is done onely to show the Power of the Deceased.

The Women after their Husbands Death are not endow'd of their Estates, but have meerly his Cloathes and Jewels; which also are many times lessen'd by the Man's Bequests in his Life-time.

In the Inheritance of the Crown the Brother succeeds; * 1.104 or for want of Bro∣thers,

the eldest of the Family, without any consideration of the Children: so also private Estates goes to the Brothers, or for want of Brothers, to the Sisters Children; onely at Akara the Children Inherit as well the Fathers, as the Mothers Goods.

The Language of this People differs in several places; * 1.105 for between Korman∣tyn and Akara, being but fifteen leagues, they have no less than four: but the Aka∣rists, Kormantyns, Fantyns, Moureans, Minaers, Commondans, as also those of Sama, or Agitaki, or Akitaki, Aquaffo, Fetu, Igwa, Anemabo, Adja, Sabou, Abramboe, use all one Dialect.

The People of Akara, Ningo, and Sinko, though near Neighbors, yet under∣stand not one anothers Tongue; but all that dwell upon the Shore, or Trade with the Whites, speak most of them a mixture of broken Portuguese, Dutch, and French: yet in all this variety of Tongues, they all are ignorant of Writing, not knowing indeed what a Letter means.

The English, * 1.106 Netherlanders, and French, drive great Trade with the Blacks upon the Gold-Coast, exchanging their European Commodities for Gold, and to that purpose in several places near the richest Trading-Towns, Ledger-Ships, Fa∣ctories, and Forts for the keeping of their Wares, conveniency of Dealing, and against the Intrusion of Enemies. The chiefest Places where Settlements are made, are Atzyn in the Kingdom of Atzyn, the Town on Cabo tres Puntas in Lit∣tle Inkassia, Botrow, Takarary, Samo in the Kingdom of Anten, Agitahi, or Little Com∣mendo, Daan, or Del Myne in Guaffo, Moure in the Kingdom of Sabou, Anemabo, Adja, Kormantyn, Fantyn, and Akara.

The Wares brought thither, * 1.107 and commonly barter'd for Gold, are these fol∣lowing, and the like:

• Sleasy, half White, and course Hessen Linen.
• Half worn Sheets.
• Ticking for Beds.
• Cyprus Clothes.
• Red, Blew, Yellow, and Green Cloth.
• Turkish Tapistry.
• Gray Says.
• Frize, White, Red, and Green Blan∣kets, or Ruggs.
• Turkish Carpetts.
• Red, and Yellow Says.
• Stew-Pans.
• Barbers Basons.
• Great Scotch Pans, two Fathom in circumference.
• Brown Kettles.
• Beating Banns.
• Painted Dishes, with mens Pictures in them.
• Copper Pots.
• Round Copper Stewing-Pans, Tin'd in the inside.
• Copper Locks.
• Trumpets.
• Copper Armlets.
• Tin Baking Pans.
• Dishes, and broad Pans.
• Large Combes.
• Great and small Fishooks.
• Flat and thin Lead.
• Spanish Wine.
• ...Sarsaparilla.
• Bars of Iron, of two, or three and thirty Bars, to a thousand weight.
• Handles for Cutting-Knives.
• Great Seamens Knives.
• Looking-Glasses.
• Fine Coral, or Venetian red Beads; and all sorts of Venetian Beads.
• Another sort of Blewish Beads.
• Great Sheepskins.
• Sheeps Tallow.
• Some East-India Stript, and Wrought Cloth; and such like.

The Clothes which are made at Cape de Verde, and along the Quaqua-Coast, * 1.108 and at Arder, are also vented on the Gold-Coast; for the best and most desir'd Wares, are Linnen, Cloth, Copperwork, Basons, Kettles, Knives, Ironwork, and Brandy.

Here is generally a certain Rate or Price set upon every Merchandise, in re∣lation to the Gold: as for example, an Hundred twenty and eight Ells of Sleesy Linnen, is oftentimes Apprized at a Bandy of Gold; by the Blacks call'd Ta, and is as much as two Ounces and a half English, which reduc'd to Coyn, at four Shil∣lings the Penny Weight, comes to Eight Pounds Sterling.

The Sleesy Linen the Blacks use for Clothes; * 1.109 the small Cruises to put Oyl in, with which they anoint themselves; but the great ones are set on the Graves and cover'd up; the Barbers Basons to Wash, and Shave themselves withal; the great Scotch Pans to kill Pigs or Sheep in, and Dress them in stead of a Trough or Tub; of Iron they make Arms, as Assagays, or Launces, Swords, Hewing-Knives, to open the Ground, and cut Wood with. The Yellow, Blew, and Green Cloth, when cut into long Pieces, about a hand broad, make Girdles, wherein they stick their Knives, Poniards, Benesen, and such like; the Venetian Beads, they wear strung on the Peelings of Trees, about their Necks, Hands, and Feet.

The Maritime Blacks, serve the Merchants, Strangers, and other Blacks which come with Gold out of the Inland Countreys, for Brokers and Inter∣preters, for which they receive a Reward, by them call'd Dache, that is, a Gift, or Present.

The time of making a Voyage to this Gold-Coast, out of Europe for Trade, * 1.110 asks no particular season; but may be done all the Year; for where-ever the Ships Arrive, they may Ride at Anchor safe, for which the Ground is very conveni∣ent, being Sand and Clay mix'd together.

For the Weighing of Gold, they have small Scales made of Copper, * 1.111 with very long Strings, and round, and hollow Weights, like an Orange-Peel.

The People far Upland have Woodden Weights in some, and in other pla∣ces Red, and Black Beans, of which they know exactly how many make such and such Weights of the Whites.

At Akara they use divers sorts, both of small and great Weights. * 1.112 A great Ban∣dy, their heaviest holds out two Ounces and eight Peny Weight, and is by them call'd Ta; a small Bandy weighs one Ounce and fourteen Peny Weight; * 1.113 accord∣ing to the Custom on the whole Gold-Coast, sixteen Peny Weight make Ounce of Gold, such an Ounce they call Ossuachican; one Ounce and four Peny Weight Ossuanon; ten Peny Weight Osserou; five Peny Weight Exykbas; four, Se∣rou; three, Sanna; two, Jarruka; and a Peny Weight Matabbe, or Medratabbe.

The Linnen which they Buy they Measure by two Fathom together, * 1.114 which cut asunder they call, Jektam.

They of Atzin have but little Trade, by reason the Merchants in their Tra∣vel are often Robb'd and Murder'd on the ways, by the confining People which are under no King nor Government, but each follows his own wick∣ed Inclination, having amongst them neither Law nor Justice: And therefore the Trading Inhabitants Travel thorow the Territories of Igwyra, and Jamou, both which have setled States, whose Kings, for the benefit of the Custom, keep the Waysfree and clear.

The Blacks of Takorari, carry themselves very rudely to all Whites; they were formerly visited with Sloops and Ketches by the English, and Hollanders for

Trade; but finding that their Gold come but in small quantities, it hath been discontinu'd.

The Akanists have Commerce with the Inhabitants of Soko, and bring from thence Clothes, which they Exchange for Ryals of Eight, or other Pieces of Silver; but this very seldom, by reason of the great danger of the Ways, as we mention'd but lately: however such as do venture, and make a safe Journey, gain great Riches by the aforemention'd Clothes.

In Sama the Portugals and Dutch have a Factory, and Trade with the People of Adom and Wassa for the same Wares that were wont to be Vented at Ante, viz. Iron, Says, Course Linnen, Seamens Knives, Beads, old Sheets, and such like.

Those of Ante have some Gold brought to them from Egwyra and Mompa, but are hindred from improving their Trade by the Wars of the Antinars against those of Adom.

Before Little Commendo, formerly on the Sea, was a great Trade driven by the English, but since the Dutch won the Castle De Myne, 'tis remov'd thither; onely at Commendo, upon the Kings intreaty, a Store-house is built, and fur∣nish'd with all sorts of Goods, but cannot draw thither much Trade.

Cabo Cors for some years had repute for the chiefest Place of Trade on the Gold-Coast, but of late so decay'd, that scarce any shew of it remains: yet still the Merchants keep a Store-house there to furnish the Inhabitants, and those that come daily from Fetu thither to Market.

These Blacks, * 1.115 as they have good Judgment, and can quickly see if the Gold be good or not, so they know by a peculiar Art, to falsifie and embase that which they intend to give to the Whites, in divers manners.

Most of their Cheats they practice in their Gilded Arm-Rings, which they mix with Copper, as likewise among other pieces of Gold, and cannot be di∣stinguish'd from the Gold, when newly Clipt, but grow commonly Rusty and Pale, having lay'n some time amongst the Gold: the best proof they make by Strong-Waters.

Their melted Gold (which Art of Melting they have learn'd from the Por∣tuguese) they falsifie with two much red Copper, or Silver mixt amongst it; for without one of these two the Gold will not Run. This is a Cheat very common and usual among those of Fantyn.

They have yet another Trick, to cover Silver and red Copper over with Gold, so as not to be discover'd unless you cut it.

Formerly the Portuguese us'd to punish the Blacks very severely, if they brought but one Peny-weight of falsifi'd Gold to sell, without any respect of Persons.

The Gold as it comes out of the Myne, without Melting or Refining, is ta∣ken for the best, that is, when the Sand, or Dust is meerly Sifted out: Besides, one Myne affords much better Gold than another; for the deeper they fetch up the Gold, the worse it proves, being spoil'd by too much Quick-Silver.

Amongst the Gold brought from the upper Places of this Coast, that of Atzyn and Adom bears the Credit as the best, because 'tis observ'd, that the Peo∣ple Melt it without falsifying.

The Akanists bring most melted Gold, which is taken for good; but they must be narrowly inspected, for they are ingenious at Gilding.

The Akaras Gold hath a good repute for Purity, * 1.116 if the Dust the quite blown from it.

They have no Coyn amongst them; * 1.117 but the Subjects pay Tribute in weighed Gold; but if it be a small Parcel under any Weight, then they pay one another with Pieces of melted Gold, as big as Pins-heads cut four-square, * 1.118 which they call Kakraven; and the Portuguese, Denier and Pai, being about a Grain, or less. This invention the Portuguese taught them first; for before their arrival the Blacks knew nothing of them: but they finding neither Coyn, nor any small Weight of Gold for to pay, when they bought Fruit, or any other Provision, thought on this way of Payment in stead of single Mo∣ney: since which time, all along the Coast, an infinite number of these Pie∣ces may had; when the other Blacks, where the Whites are not known, use no such, but sell their Gold as it comes from the Earth: for in stead of Coyn or Money to pay one another in small Sums, the People of Akara have little Iron Spikes, or Crosses of a Finger long, with a Half-Moon on the top.

When they go to the Wars they Paint their Faces, Breasts, * 1.119 and whole Bodies, with yellow, white, and red Colours, and make upon it Crosses, Snakes, and such like, hanging a round Ring, made of the Branches of Trees, as thick as an Arm, about their Neck in stead of a Corslet, to keep off the blows of their Cutting-Knives, and set on their Heads Caps like a Helmet, made of Crocodiles, or Leopards-Skins, adorn'd with red Parrots Feathers, and before with two or four Horns. The Grandees wear a Garland of Elephants, or Sea-Horses Teeth: About their Bodies they have a Leathern Girdle, that comes betwixt their Legs, with a small Cloth before their Privacies; and in the Gir∣dle they stick a Knife, or Ponyard, whose Sheaths are made of Dogs, or Buck-Skins, adorn'd with a great red Shell of a Hand breadth on the top. The common Soldiers use great Chopping-Knives, broad at the ends, and small; and in stead of a Handle they adorn it with a Bone of an Ape or Tyger, which they stick at one side of their Girdle.

Their other Arms are Darts, Shields, Assagays, or Lances, and two-edged Swords, with Handles of the Bones of Lions, Tygers, and other dangerous Beasts, Knobb'd at the ends, and cover'd with a Plate of Gold, or with Skins of Fish. Their Assagays, or Lances, Darts, Arrows, and Bowes, have several other fashions; but mostare Tipt at both ends, with Iron of an equal weight, that in the throwing, they may flie level.

Their Shields are commonly six Foot long, and four broad, made of Mat∣work, or Wood, in manner of a four square Tray, bow'd inward, having in the midst a Wooden, Iron, or Copper Cross, which they hold by. Some per∣sons of State, cover their Shields with Tygers Skins, and put an Iron or Cop∣per Plate above that, two Foot long, and one broad. The Bowes are of streight, hard, and tough Wood, and the Strings made of the Peeling of Trees; the Ar∣rows, at one end, in stead of Feathers, have a rough Dogs Skin drawn half over them; and at the other, a small Head Poyson'd: but they may not carry such Poyson'd Arrows, except in the Wars against their Enemies.

Their Drums are of two sorts, one made of hollow Trees, * 1.120 drawn over with a Goats Skin, being very deep; whereupon with Drum-Sticks, like Pestels, they Beat when the King keeps a Feast, for they lie commonly before the Kings, or Captains house. The others made also of hollow Trees, but smaller, round above, and sharp beneath like a Top, which they hang about their Necks; and therewith, after their attendance is ended, they go about Drumming; which they use to none but the Nobility.

Their Trumpets, or Horns, cut out of Elephants Teeth, finely Striped, * 1.121

with a square Hole in the middle or end, wherein they blow; but none may have these but the King, or Captain.

Most of the Blacks, lying near the Sea, know also pretty well how to use Guns dexterously, which they learnt from the Portuguese.

Those of the Town Myne, use now for the most part Musquets: In casting of Lances, or Assagays, they have such a sleight, that they will hit the White, though no bigger than a Sixpence, standing some Paces distant. They never fight but with continual Drumming, and Sounding the Horn. The Prisoners on both sides they make Slaves, and Feast in some places upon the Slain, making Drinking-Cups of their Skulls.

In Drawing out to Fight they keep no Order, * 1.122 but all run together, falling on furiously, with great Cries and Shreekings; in which Service all are bound to follow the King, saving onely, very old Men, and Youths under eighteen or twenty years of Age.

The Victor uses great Cruelty against the other, cutting off their Heads, sparing neither Women, or Children, and triumphing therewith two or three weeks together, continually Chanting forth their own Praises, and whatever may tend to the dishonor of the Enemy; and this Custom hath been practised not onely here, but too frequently in other parts of Africa.

The Kings have here absolute Command, * 1.123 and Govern according to their own wills, their little Territories: and although in outward appearance, the Subjects seem not to give that Honor and Respect as befits them, nor them∣selves to take such State as is proper for them; yet they do (as we said) what they please, Burning, and Destroying, Placing, and Displacing, as Fancy, Humor, or Anger moves them. They alone make War, and Peace, nor dare the justest or most bold Magistrates punish the Villanies of their Retainers.

All the Towns lying near the Sea, are every one Govern'd by a Captain, or Braffo, and Kaboseros, or Chief Officers, appointed in the Kings Name.

Fidalgo's, * 1.124 or Noble Persons, the King makes in too great abundance, con∣sidering the smallness of their Ability, and Means to live on, which are dimi∣nish'd also by the Purchase of their Honour. Now it is to be observ'd, that by three Gifts, * 1.125 any man may attain to the degree of Nobility; that is, of a Dog, a Sheep, and a Cow, together with some other things of less consequence; as Wine of Palm, and Brandy Wine: so that this Honour, viis & modis, costs them near a Hundred Markes, and distributed in this manner: First he buys for those that undertake to recommend his cause to the Braffo, or Captain of the Town, a Cow, whereto all the Nobility are invited, and without fail appear at the set-time, Drest in the best Attire, to help to order the Feast, and to shew Feats of Activity and Mirth. In the mean time, the new Nobleman having made all ready to entertain his Guests, sends to another Fidalgo, a Hen, and a Pot of Palmito-Wine to his house. On the Feast-day, all the Inhabitants of the Town come together, and go to the upper end of the Market, provided with all sorts of playing Instruments for their Sports; as Drums, Horns, Bells, and other devises, to whom the Braffo joyns, accompany'd with many Youths Arm'd with Shields and Spears, or Lances; and their Faces Painted with Red and Yellow Oker.

At last comes the new made Fidalgo, into the company of the other Noble∣men, with a young Man Attendant, carrying a Stool after him, upon which he seats himself; when presently his Fellows wish him good luck, pulling a handful of Straw out of the Roof, and lay under his Feet; then address them∣selves

to tender their Civilities to his Wife, tying up her Hair with many Gol∣den Fetissies, and Crosses, having about her Neck a Gold Chain; and putting in one of her hands a Horses Tail, and on the right Arm a Gold Ring, with a broad Pendulum of Gold, like a Potlid: thus Attir'd and Attended with many other Women, they follow the beforemention'd Cow through the Market, Singing and Dancing, till return'd into the same place; the Men make strange Sport, Drumming, Dancing, Fencing, Singing and Leaping about them: At last they carry them through the Town upon a Stool, casting Meal in their Faces; thus their exorbitant Pastimes continue till Evening, and then the other Nobles conduct them to their usual Habitations.

The next day, (for this Solemnity continues three) they spend as the former.

On the third, the Executioner Slaughters the Cow, and cuts it into four Quarters, of which every one has a piece given; but the Instituters of the Feast may not Eat thereof, as conceited, that if they did, they should die with∣in the Year.

During the Feast a white Flag stands upon his House in token of Joy, and an open Court; and after the Solemnity ended, the Head of the Cow is brought to his House, Painted with many Colours, and hang'd about with Wisps of Straw, and Devices, in token or confirmation of his Nobility; whereby he hath gain'd great Freedom and Priviledges: for now he may buy Slaves, and Trade for other things, which before he had no permission to do. They take great care therefore about it, although perhaps the acquiring cost them all they are worth, and thereby are much poorer than before: but he soon gets it up again by Presents brought him from others, each according to his ability. And now as soon as he hath gain'd an Estate again, he bestows it upon Slaves, wherein their Riches and Reputation consists.

These keep one among another a yearly time of Feasting; where they make good Cheer, new Paint the Cows Head, and hang it about with Ears of Mille. Besides this, the Nobility in general keep one Feast upon the sixth day of July; where they Paint their Bodies with Stripes of red Earth, and wear on their Necks a Garland of green Boughs and Straw, as a Badge of their Nobility. In the Evening they all come as Guests to the House of the Braffo; where they are entertain'd with exceeding Mirth and Feasting, even to Excess and Drunkenness.

These People are so conceited of their old Idolatrous Customs, * 1.126 that they deride, as it were, the Religion of the Whites, under what Name or Notion so∣ever. Several times have the Portuguese and French, by Jesuits sent thither, en∣deavour'd to convert them to the Christian Faith, yet never have been able hi∣therto to effect any thing worth relating. And thus have we travell'd through the Gold-Coast.

The Coast from Rio, Volta to Arder.

SEven Miles Eastward from Akara, * 1.127 on the Shore, lieth a Town call'd Sinko; twelve Miles from that, the River Rio da Volta falls into the Sea. Co∣ming with Ships before this River, the Entrance seems very little, because of a Shelf which lies before it, and closeth it up: yet more within Land it may be discern'd to run with an open and wide Channel.

Between Sinko and Rio Volta standeth a Town call'd Ley, whose Inhabitants maintain themselves by selling Cows; wherewith, though at a dear Rate, they furnish themselves with Meat.

Three Miles from Rio Volta lieth a Point, call'd in Portuguese, Cabo Montego, a low Countrey, having little Wood, and the Shore spreading East South-East.

From Cabo Montego Eastwards, the Coast shoots out with a great Belly, so that from one Corner to the other, * 1.128 it is ten Miles Sailing. The Countrey seems Craggy, yet water'd with a small River, whose Mouth is stopp'd with Sand, and hath Trees on the East Quarter. Beyond all the Land lies flat as far as Popo, or Popou, and shadow'd with good Boscage.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Aquumboe
• * 1.2

  Abonce.
• * 1.3

  Kuahoe
• * 1.4

  Tafoe.
• * 1.5

  Aboera.
• * 1.6

  Quahoe.
• * 1.7

  Kammana.
• * 1.8

  Bonoe.
• * 1.9

  Equea.
• * 1.10

  Lataby.
• * 1.11

  Akarady.
• * 1.12

  Insoko.
• * 1.13

  Their Cloathes.
• * 1.14

  The Nature of the Countrey.
• * 1.15

  There is no Prest.
• * 1.16

  The alteration of the Weather occasions Sick∣ness.
• * 1.17

  The Wind Hermanta.
• * 1.18

  The Plants and Fruits.
• * 1.19

  Mille, or Mi••••.
• * 1.20

  Living Creatures.
• * 1.21

  Elephants.
• * 1.22

  Hares.
• * 1.23

  Dogs.
• * 1.24

  They are eaten.
• * 1.25

  Cats.
• * 1.26

  Cabrietes. Sheep.
• * 1.27

  Hens.
• * 1.28

  Pigeons.
• * 1.29

  Swine.
• * 1.30

  Apes.
• * 1.31

  Catamountains.
• * 1.32

  Fowls.
• * 1.33

  Paraketo's.
• * 1.34

  Land-Crabs, or Lob∣sters.
• * 1.35

  Serpents.
• * 1.36

  Locusts, or Grashop∣pers.
• * 1.37

  They spoil the Fruits of the Field.
• * 1.38

  Salt.
• * 1.39

  How it is made.
• * 1.40

  The Countrey is full of Gold.
• * 1.41

  From whence the Gold comes.
• * 1.42

  How the Gold is taken up in the River.
• * 1.43

  In what manner the Gold is found.
• * 1.44

  In what Tract of Land the Gold is found.
• * 1.45

  A Gold-Mountain near Little-Commende.
• * 1.46

  Conceit of the Blacks of the Gold-Mynes.
• * 1.47

  Pliny.
• * 1.48

  An English is one Peny-weight in Gold, that is four Shillings in Money.
• * 1.49

  The Air unhealthy in the Gold-Coast to Strangers.
• * 1.50

  Worms.
• * 1.51

  Their Original.
• * 1.52

  By what accident they come.
• * 1.53

  Their Form.
• * 1.54

  The Curing.
• * 1.55

  The Venerial Pox.
• * 1.56

  Swellings.
• * 1.57

  How they let Bloud.
• * 1.58

  The Constitution of the Inhabitants.
• * 1.59

  Their Kind.
• * 1.60

  Expert in Swimming.
• * 1.61

  The Women are inclin'd to Dancing.
• * 1.62

  The use of Castinetto's came from Africa.
• * 1.63

  The Blacks are Lowsie, though Clean.
• * 1.64

  Their Salutation.
• * 1.65

  Exquisite in Stealing.
• * 1.66

  They keep little of their Promises.
• * 1.67

  Most of their Food is Bread.
• * 1.68

  How it is made ready.
• * 1.69

  Other Food.
• * 1.70

  Drink.
• * 1.71

  The Men are inclin'd to Drinking.
• * 1.72

  Gluttony in Eating.
• * 1.73

  Unmannerly.
• * 1.74

  Towns or Villages what they are.
• * 1.75

  Houses.
• * 1.76

  How they are made.
• * 1.77

  The Roof.
• * 1.78

  The Going 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.79

  The Floor.
• * 1.80

  The Houses of the Braffo.
• * 1.81

  Their Houshold-stuffe.
• * 1.82

  Canoos.
• * 1.83

  How they are made.
• * 1.84

  The Shape.
• * 1.85

  The Bigness.
• * 1.86

  Places where no Canoos are used.
• * 1.87

  The Cloathing of the Men.
• * 1.88

  How their Hair is drest.
• * 1.89

  The Head-gear of the Women.
• * 1.90

  Their Employment.
• * 1.91

  How the Lands are Till'd.
• * 1.92

  Seed-time.
• * 1.93

  They are greatly busied.
• * 1.94

  The King's Land first Till'd.
• * 1.95

  Their Laziness in Til∣ling Land.
• * 1.96

  None possesseth any Land of his own.
• * 1.97

  Marriage.
• * 1.98

  Woeing before Marti∣age.
• * 1.99

  Every Town keeps two or three Whores.
• * 1.100

  English Money.
• * 1.101

  Their Liberty.
• * 1.102

  The Funeral.
• * 1.103

  The Funeral of their Kings.
• * 1.104

  Their Inheritance.
• * 1.105

  Their Language.
• * 1.106

  Merchandise.
• * 1.107

  Commodities brought by the Netherlanders to the Gold-Coast.
• * 1.108

  The most Vendable Commodities.
• * 1.109

  To what use the Blacks put the Wares they buy.
• * 1.110

  Navigation.
• * 1.111

  Gold-Weights.
• * 1.112

  A Bandy is 2. Ounces, 8. Englishes, or 1d. weight.
• * 1.113

  A small Bandy is 1 Ounce. 14. Englishes. 60. Guilders. 16. Peny Weight in Gold, is an Ounce. 1. Peny Weight in Gold, is, 4. Shillings English.
• * 1.114

  The Measure.
• * 1.115

  The Blacks are cunning in falsifying their Gold.
• * 1.116

  The Akaras Gold is the best.
• * 1.117

  There is no Coyn.
• * 1.118

  Kakraven.
• * 1.119

  Arms.
• * 1.120

  Drums.
• * 1.121

  Their Trumpets, or Horns.
• * 1.122

  They fight without order.
• * 1.123

  The Command and De∣minion of the King.
• * 1.124

  There are many of the Nobility.
• * 1.125

  How they are made.
• * 1.126

  Religion, or Worship.
• * 1.127

  The River Rio da Volta.
• * 1.128

  Observe, Spanish Miles, or Leagues, (as we said be∣fore) such as twenty five make a Degree.