The following AFRICAN WORDS, recurring very frequently in the course of the Narrative, it is thought necessary to prefix an Explanation of them for the Reader's convenience.

Mansa. A king or chief governor.

Alkaid. The head magistrate of a town or province, whose office is commonly hereditary.

Dooty. Another name for the chief magistrate of a town or province: this word is used only in the interior countries.

Palaver. A Court of justice; a public meeting of any kind.

Bushreen. A mussulman.

Kafir. A Pagan native; an unbeliever.

1

Sonakee. Another term for an unconverted native; it signifies one who drinks strong liquors, and is used by way of reproach.

Slatees

Free black merchants, who trade chiefly in slaves.

Coffle or Caffila. A caravan of slaves, or a company of people travelling with any kind of merchandize.

Bar. Nominal money; a single bar is equal in value to two shillings sterling, or thereabouts.

Minkalli. A quantity of gold, nearly equal in value to ten shillings sterling.

Kowries. Sinall shells, which pass for money in the Interior.

Korree. A watering-place, where shepherds keep their cattle,

Bentang. A sort of stage, erected in every town, answering the purpose of a

town hall.

Baloon. A room in which strangers are commonly lodged.

Soofroo. A skin for containing water.

Saphie. An amulet or charm.

Kouskous. A dish prepared from boiled corn.

Shea-toulou. Vegetable butter.

Calabash. A species of gourd, of which the Negroes make bowls and dishes.

Paddle. A sort of hoe used in husbandry.

TRAVELS

IN THE

INTERIOR OF AFRICA.

CHAPTER I.

The Author's Motives for undertaking the Voyage-his Instructions and Departure-arrives at Jillifree, on the Gambia River-proceeds to Vintain-Some Account of the Feloops.-Proceeds up the River for Jonkakonda-arrives at Dr. Laidley's-Some Account of Pisania, and the British Factory established at that Place, -The Author's Employment during his Stay at Pisania-his Sickness and Recovery-the Country described-prepares to set out for the Interior.

Soon after my return from the East Indies in 1793, having learnt that the Noblemen and Gentlemen, associated for the purpose of prosecuting Discoveries in the Interior of Africa, were desirous of engaging a person to explore that continent by the way of the Gambia river, I took occasion, through means of the President of the Royal Society, to whom I had the honour to be known, of offering myself for that service. I had been informed, that a gentleman of the name of Houghton, a Captain in the army, and formerly Fort-Major