Observatory at Greenwich is now the first
meridian in British maps and globes, from which St Paul's in London is
0 deg. 5' 37" W. the observatory of Paris 2 deg. 20' E. Teneriffe peak 16 deg. 40'
W. and Ferrotown 17 deg. 45' 50" W.]

This cape is bounded by two rivers, the Senegal and Gambia, called by
the ancients the _Garatius_ and _Stachiris_. It has an island to the
west, which is frequented by an infinite number of birds, the eggs of
which are frequently gathered by mariners going this way. This cape is
dangerous to land upon, because of a great many sunken rocks about
it. The continent is here inhabited by negroes, who trade with all
nations, and speak many languages, especially French and Portuguese.
Most of them go naked, except a piece of cloth about their middle, but
their princes and great men wear long garments of calico striped
with blue, and made like shifts; they hang also little square bags of
leather on their arms and legs, but we could not learn of them what
these bags contain.[2] They wear necklaces made of sea-horses teeth,
alternating with glass beads; and have caps of blue and white striped
calico on their heads. They are a prudent and wise people, cultivating
their soil, which bears good rice and other articles sufficient for
their maintenance; and the richer people keep cattle, which are very
dear, as being scarce. They have many good blacksmiths, and iron is
much, valued among them, being forged into fish-spears, implements for
cultivating the ground, and various weapons, as the heads of arrows,
darts, and javelins. Their religion seems to border on Mahometism, as
they are all circumcised; but they have little knowledge of the true
God, except among a few who converse with Christians. They are very
lascivious, and may have as many wives as they please; but the women
are seldom contented with one husband, and are passionately fond of
strangers. The whole country is under subjection to the governors
or head-men of the various towns and villages, who row on board such
ships as arrive, making them pay customs. Several Portuguese reside
here, who trade freely with all nations, but have no power or
authority, except over their own slaves and servants.

[Footnote 2: These are called _obi_, containing a variety
of ridiculous trash, and are held in superstitious esteem as
amulets.--E.]

Having the advantage of a strong N.E. wind, they took their departure
from Cape de Verde, and continued their cours