266 TRAVELS IN AFRICA.

cotton and indigo, or that the manufacturers are more expert, I cannot say ; but certain it is, that they can dye a much finer blue than I have before seen in Africa. The process is precisely the same as that mentioned by Mr. Park to be followed by the inhabitants of lindey near the Gambia, Their dress and manner of living is also nearly the same as those of the people of Bondoo. The former is made rather larger in the same shape, and the latter is more frequently seasoned with fish, in which the river abounds. They are proverbially fond of animal food, which, although arrived at a higher degree of keeping than would please the palates of our most decided epicures, would not be rejected by them. I have seen a dead hippopotamus floating down the river, and poisoning the air with its putrid vapours, drawn to shore by them, and such was their love of meat, that they nearly came to blows about its division.

From a state of Paganism these people are progressively embracing the Mahometan faith ; but many still despise its tenets, disregard its ceremonies, and indulge freely in the- use of strong liquors. Some towns are wholly inhabited by priests, who are by far the most wealthy and respectable members of the com-