It is during this season that the _harmattans_ prevail, (from two to three weeks in December) which consist of a _dry cold_ and _not_ a "dry hot" wind as we have been taught; when furniture and wooden-ware _dries_ and _cracks_ for want of moisture, and the thermometer frequently rates as low as 54 deg. Fahr. in the evening and early in the morning; when blankets on the bed will not be out of place, and an evening and morning fire may add to your comfort. FOOTNOTES: [9] I have received information from London, that an iron steam Tender has already been sent out to Lagos by an English house. XVII CONCLUDING SUGGESTIONS Native Mariners It may not be generally known as a fact, which is of no little importance in the industrial economy of Africa, that vessels of every class, of all foreign nations, are manned and managed by native Africans, so soon as they enter African waters. The Krumen are the watermen or marines generally of Africa, going in companies of greater or less numbers, with one in the lead called "headman," who, hiring all the others, makes contracts with a vessel, which is met outside of the roadsteads or harbors, to supply a certain number of men to manage it during her coasting voyage. They usually bring with them the recommendations of all the commanders whose vessels they have managed on the coast. These are generally carried in the hat to prevent getting wet, and sometimes in calabashes, stopped up like a bottle, or in a tin can or case, (when such can be obtained,) suspended by a string like a great square medal around the neck. So expert have these people become in marine affairs, that, with the exception of navigation, a vessel at sea might be managed entirely by many of those companies of Krumen. Everything that is to be done as the common work of seamen, is done by them during their engagement on the coasting vessels. The agility with which they scale the shrouds and rigging, mounting frequently to the very pinnacle of the main-mast head, or going out to the extreme end of the yard arms, is truly surprising. In these feats, they are far more dextrous than the white civilians. The Fever--Stages Of In cases of real intermittent fever--fever and ague or chills and fever--there are usually three distinct stages when the attack comes on--on what is usually termed _fever day_: the _cold_ or shivering stage, the _hot_ or burning stage, succeeded by the _sweating_. _Cold Stage_ So soon as there are symptoms of a chill, a cup of quite hot ginger or cinnamon tea--not too strong--may be taken, the person keeping out of the sun, and, if inclined, going to bed and covering warmly. He should always undress, putting on a night-shirt or gown, for the convenience of changing when required. A hot cup of tea, of any kind, is better than nothing, when neither cinnamon nor ginger is convenient. _Kneading or Friction-Bath. Hot Stage_