The present state of the Empire of Bornou, compared with its condition when Leo Africanus, who wrote his account in the year 1526, was its visitor, exhibits an interesting proof of the advancement of the Mahometan Faith, and of the progress of imperfect civilization.[35] A savage nakedness, or the rude covering which the skins of beasts afford, are now relinquished, for the decency and convenience of a dress of cotton manufacture. Tempered by the courtesy of commerce, and the conciliating interchange of important benefits, the antient barbarism of the people is softened to habits of kindness; and, in the minds of the greatest part, the absurd superstitions of Paganism have given place to the natural and sublime idea of the Unity of God. From the account of the nations to the _South of the Niger_, it appears, that, among the Mahometan Blacks, the sternness of the Musselman is softened by the mildness of the Negro; and that if the zeal of the invader be not inflamed by the value of the captive, the propagation of the faith is seldom considered as a reason or pretext for war. Perhaps the attention of the _Philosopher_ may be engaged by the use to which the small shells of the Maldive Islands are equally applied by the inhabitants of Cashna, and by the natives of Bengal. Sameness of opinion, or resemblance of conduct, when founded in natural feeling, or a similar state of society, are seen without wonder in nations unconnected and remote; but that a custom so arbitrary and artificial as that of employing Cowries as a substitute for coin, a custom which instinct could not have produced, and chance could scarcely have occasioned, should equally prevail among the Negros of Africa and the natives of Bengal, may justly be deemed a curious and interesting phenomenon.