The town of Paweea contains about sixteen thousand inhabitants. They seem rather an industrious race in comparison with those near the coast. Here, as well as in most other towns in the neighbourhood, the mechanic is very much esteemed on account of his craft, but especially the blacksmith, who in their own language is called a cunning man, ranking next to the fetish-man or priest. The soil round this place is a rich sandy loam, and the land well watered, consequently, the crops are abundant, and the people are in the enjoyment of plenty, with but little labour. They seem a very happy race, and well satisfied with their present government and laws, which, previous to their subjection to the King of Dahomey, were arbitrary and cruel in the extreme. This town has two strong gates on the south-east and north-west sides, which are closed at sunset, and guarded by soldiers or watchmen, who take that duty in turn. FOOTNOTES: [1] This may appear an exaggeration, but I assure my readers, that I have had a large quantity taken from a very severe wound I received when in the Niger expedition. Dr. Williams and Dr. Thompson can corroborate my assertion. The African fly blows live maggots instead of eggs. CHAPTER II. The Caboceer’s Kindness to my Servant--Presents--Names of Caboceer, &c.--Granite Mountains--Tanks--The Aditay--Soil--The Tawee--Mountains--Grain and Vegetables--The Zoglogbo Mountain--Reception by the Caboceer of Zoglogbo--Ascent of the Mountain--Cotton-trees--Mountain-pass--Singular Situation of the Town--Houses--Dahoman Political Agent--Probable Origin of the Mountain--Kpaloko Mountain--Ignorance, assumed or real, of the Neighbouring Country by the Natives--The Dabadab Mountains--Superstition--Singular Method of conveying Cattle--Cruelty to the Brute Creation--Difficult Descent--Agriculture and Manufactures--Height of the Mountains--Death of Three Kings at Zoglogbo--Names of the Caboceer, &c.--Reception at Baffo--Costume of Caboceer and his Wife--His Principal Wives--Beautiful Birds--Gigantic Trees--Parasitical Plants--Singular Tree--Soil--Grain, Fruits, &c.--Cattle--Market-day, and Bustle of the Caboceer--Goods exposed for Sale--Rival Caboceers--Game--Pigeon-trap--Trial of Skill--Dog poisoned--Increasing Illness of my Servant--The Caboceer’s principal Cook.