On the 6th, we went to see Mr. Bethman’s factory, situate at the foot of a mountain, not far from Mr. Tudsberry’s. Here are deposited the remains of Major Peddie and four of his companions, victims, as I have already mentioned, to the unwholesome burning climate. Their graves, which are on a little terrace near the house, are shaded by two superb orange-trees. A little to the east is a rivulet, the clear waters of which form a cascade, and keep up the freshness of the vegetation around them. The grounds, which are delightful, are planted with orange-trees, citrons, banians, and fine bombaces, which afford an agreeable shade. From the top of the mountain a great extent of country is visible; with the windings of the Rio Nuñez, the picturesque banks of which heighten the effect of the landscape. After this little excursion, I returned to the Mandingoes. The kindness which these worthy people had shewn me made me forget the vexations I had endured at Sierra-Leone, and inspired me with the hope of travelling in safety, and accomplishing my object without any serious obstacles. The Ramadan obliged me to wait a few days for the great caravans which were to arrive after the fast, and with which I hoped to penetrate more easily into the interior. To make the best of my time, I endeavoured to gain information about the manners and habits of the Bagos, a small tribe who inhabit the isles at the mouth of the river, and of whom I had heard some very curious particulars; but before I give any account of them, I must take some notice of the Landamas and Nalous, who live in the neighbourhood of Rio Nuñez. These tribes are entirely idolaters, or worshippers of fetishes. The Foulahs of Fouta-Dhialon have subjected them to their dominion, but they have chosen rather to become tributaries to the almamy,[41] than to renounce their ancient superstition and adopt Mahometanism. The tribute is received by the chief of Labé, who forwards it to Tembo. The chief of the Landamas receives himself the tribute which his subjects destine for the almamy, every one contributing according to his means. The sovereignty remains always in the same family, but the son never succeeds his father; they choose, in preference, a son of the king’s sister, conceiving that by this method, the sovereign power is more sure to be transmitted to one of the blood royal; a precaution which shows how little faith is put in the virtue of the women of this country. Amongst the tribes on the banks of the Rio Nuñez there is a secret society, not unlike that of the freemasons. It has a head, who is called the Simo; he makes laws, and they are executed under his authority. This Simo lives in the woods, and is never seen by the uninitiated; he is attended by pupils who are partly initiated in the mysteries. Sometimes he assumes the form of a pelican, sometimes he is wrapped up in the skins of wild beasts, and sometimes covered from head to foot with leaves, which conceal his real shape.