Travels in Western Africa in 1845 & 1846, Volume 2 (of 2): comprising a journey from Whydah through the Kingdom of Dahomey to Adofoodia in the interior — John Shaqi
Travels in Western Africa in 1845 & 1846, Volume 2 (of 2): comprising a journey from Whydah through the Kingdom of Dahomey to Adofoodia in the interiorDuncan, John
History
Travels in Western Africa in 1845 & 1846, Volume 2 (of 2): comprising a journey from Whydah through the Kingdom of Dahomey to Adofoodia in the interior
Duncan, John
Africa, West -- Description and travel; Benin -- Description and travel
We now passed through the gate, which is very strong. The walls of
the town are very thick, and are composed of reddish-coloured clay.
Close to the gates is the weekly market-place, held under several
large trees, which afford a grateful shade from the sun, as well as a
temporary protection from the rain. In the whole of the Mahee country
which I have yet visited, I find that the weekly markets are held
without the walls, to prevent as much as possible strangers entering
the town. The daily markets are seldom attended by any except their
own people, principally for a mutual exchange of goods of native
manufacture.
About nine A.M. we recommenced our journey, the path bearing N.E., and
at one mile N. 35° E. I noticed the chain of mountains running N.E.
and S.W., distant about four miles, and bearing north from Paweea.
The country round, however, is level, and studded with palm and
other trees. In the distance, the immense blocks of granite appeared
stratified, or divided into perpendicular sections, but upon a nearer
approach were found to be only marks left by the running down of the
water which accumulates in naturally formed basins or tanks on the
tops, apparently formed by the heavy rains acting powerfully on the
softer parts of the rock. From the excessive heat, this water soon
becomes foul, and the first succeeding rains cause an overflow, marking
the rock in dark streaks, and giving it the appearance I have stated.
At a mile and a half, bearing north, the soil became gravelly, studded
with trees. At two miles and a half, bearing again north, we crossed
the brook Aditay, running eastward, over a rocky bottom of blue
granite. This beautiful clear stream is, on an average, during the
season only two feet deep and six wide. It is a permanent stream,
capable of propelling machinery. At three miles and a half, the bearing
changed to E. N. E., with clear springs, impregnated with iron. The
temperature was 64° Fahrenheit. The land is still level, and the soil
of the dark colour of decayed vegetation. At five miles we crossed the
river Tawee, running east. This river is wider than the last, with a
gravelly bed; current less rapid, but also capable of turning machinery.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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