The noses of the Jaloffs are not so much depressed, nor the
lips so protuberant, as among the generality of Africans; and although
their skin is of the deepest black, they are considered by the white
traders as the most sightly Negroes in this part of the Continent.
They are divided into several independent states or kingdoms; which are
frequently at war either with their neighbours, or with each other. In
their manners, superstitions, and government, however, they have a
greater resemblance to the Mandingoes (of whom I shall presently speak)
than to any other nation; but excel them in the manufacture of cotton
cloth, spinning the wool to a finer thread, weaving it in a broader loom,
and dyeing it of a better colour.
Their language is said to be copious and significant; and is often
learned by Europeans trading to Senegal. I cannot say much of it from my
own knowledge; but have preserved their numerals, which are these:
One ......... _Wean_.
Two ......... _Yar_.
Three ......... _Yat_.
Four ......... _Yanet_.
Five ......... _Judom_.
Six ......... _Judom Wean_.
Seven ......... _Judom Yar_.
Eight ......... _Judom Yat_.
Nine ......... _Judom Yanet_.
Ten ......... _Fook_.
Eleven ......... _Fook aug Wean_, &c.
