After
passing through several dark rooms, he was conducted to a large square
court filled with people.
A lattice-work of cane, before which two slaves
fanned the air, was removed, and "something alive was discovered on a
carpet, wrapped up in silk robes, with the head enveloped in shawls, and
nothing but the eyes visible. The whole court prostrated themselves, and
poured sand on their heads, while eight frumfrums, and as many horns,
blew a loud and very harsh-sounding salute." The presents were received
in almost perfect silence, the potentate only muttering a few
unintelligible words. The people manufactured cloth of a very superior
kind, and iron coins were in circulation. The females, though handsome
and intelligent, were inquisitive and dishonest; and, upon the whole, the
natives were of a jealous and revengeful disposition. The country is
fertile, abounding in grain and cattle; but the atmosphere is filled with
tormenting insects.
[Illustration: Manner of Fishing in the River Yewn]
Major Denham passed the river Yeou, and describes the mode of fishing
pursued by the inhabitants on its banks, from which they derive a very
considerable source of revenue. "They make very good nets of a twine spun
from a perennial plant called _kalimboa_. The implements for fishing are
ingenious, though simple: two large gourds are nicely balanced, and then
fixed on a large stem of bamboo, at the extreme ends; the fisherman
launches this on the river, and places himself astride between the
gourds, and thus he floats with the stream, and throws his net.
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