developed ideas and traditions of
something or other, they know not what. The pleasures of animal life
are ever present to their minds as the supreme good; and, but for the
innumerable invisibilities, they might enjoy their luxurious climate as
much as it is possible for man to do. I have often thought, in traveling
through their land, that it presents pictures of beauty which angels
might enjoy. How often have I beheld, in still mornings, scenes the very
essence of beauty, and all bathed in a quiet air of delicious warmth!
yet the occasional soft motion imparted a pleasing sensation of coolness
as of a fan. Green grassy meadows, the cattle feeding, the goats
browsing, the kids skipping, the groups of herd-boys with miniature
bows, arrows, and spears; the women wending their way to the river with
watering-pots poised jauntily on their heads; men sewing under the shady
banians; and old gray-headed fathers sitting on the ground, with staff
in hand, listening to the morning gossip, while others carry trees or
branches to repair their hedges; and all this, flooded with the bright
African sunshine, and the birds singing among the branches before the
heat of the day has become intense, form pictures which can never be
forgotten.

We were informed that a chief named Gando, living on the other side of
the river, having been accused of witchcraft, was killed by the ordeal,
and his body thrown into the Quango.

The ferrymen demanded thirty yards of calico, but received six
thankfully. The canoes were wretched, carrying only two persons at a
time; but my men being well acquainted with the water, we all got
over in about two hours and a half. They excited the admiration of the
inhabitants by the manner in which they managed the cattle and donkeys
in crossing. The most stubborn of beasts found himself powerless in
their hands. Five or six, seizing hold on one, bundled him at once into
the stream, and, in this predicament, he always thought it best policy
to give in and swim. The men sometimes swam along with the cattle, and
forced them to go on by dashing water at their heads. The difference
between my men and those of the native traders who accompanied us was
never more apparent than now; for, while my men felt an interest in
every thing we possessed in common, theirs were rather glad when the
oxen refused to cross, for, being obliged to slaughter them on such
occasions, the loss to their masters was a welcome feast to themselves.