e of a hoop sufficiently
large to encircle the trunk, and allow, also, the body to move freely
within it. This the individual moves upwards or downwards whenever he
wants to change the position of his feet, according as he wishes to
ascend or descend.

The juice, when procured, is, in the first instance, sweet, and not
unlike cyder, but rapidly undergoes a process of fermentation, by which,
in the course of two or three hours, it acquires a slightly vinous
flavour: in both those states I found it a very pleasant beverage. If
procured in the morning,[31] by the afternoon it becomes slightly acid,
and, on the following morning, perfectly sour: sufficient alcohol is,
however, formed to produce considerable exhilarating effect, when taken
in even moderate quantity; but, when drank inordinately, it stupefies
and intoxicates. The natives, notwithstanding they are fond of it, much
to their credit, rarely abuse this bountiful gift of nature, and, in
this respect, are well deserving of imitation by more civilized people.

The preparation of the palm-oil is conducted an follows:--A circular and
slightly concave hole, about a yard in diameter and a foot deep, is made
in the ground and paved with small stones. In this hole the palm-nuts
are beaten into a pulp, and the oil afterwards extracted. It is then
preserved and brought to market in native boxes, each containing from a
quart to a gallon.

The island abounds with monkeys, which are eaten by the natives, many
are of considerable size, some having been killed above 50 lb. weight.
Several species have been noticed, particularly one with long, shaggy,
jet-black hair; another with short silver-grey hair; and a third auburn,
inclining to gold, with the hair of an intermediate length; so that it
might be said we have gold and silver monkeys. The Kroomen, who are very
partial to their flesh, hunt them successfully with sticks and stones.
If any one makes them a present of a monkey, after feasting on the
carcase, they thankfully return the skin, well dried.

The only domestic animal on the island is a dog of a peculiar cur
species, very diminutive, and of a red and white colour; these we have
reason to believe the natives eat, and they use the under jaw for a
clapper to their rattles.

There is a great variety of fish; and also two species of turtle: viz.
the green, and hawksbill; the former good for eating, and the latter
only desirable for its shell.

It is now time that I rev