Travels Of Richard And John Lander Into The Interior Of Africa For The Discovery Of The Course And Termination Of The Niger By Robert Huish
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On One Of These Was Represented The Busts Of Two Men, With A
Tortoise In The Act Of Eating Out Of The Mouth Of One Of Them.
The
tortoise had a cock by its side, and two dogs standing as guardians
of the whole.
These figures were ail ingeniously carved in solid
brass. Both ends of the larger drums were played on with the palms of
the hand; hundreds of little brass bells were suspended round the
edges for ornament rather than use; for being without clappers, they
could not produce any sound. The common native drum is beaten on one
of its ends only, and with a stick shaped like a bow.
After a little conversation, the chief and his principal people shook
the Landers affectionately by the hand, and wished them every
blessing; and as soon as they got outside the yard, they mounted
their horses and rode out of the town. The chief of Larro had broken
his promise, but they were fortunate enough to meet with and purchase
another horse that morning, so that they cared little about it. Their
pathway led through a champaign country, partially wooded; and after
a pleasant ride of three quarters of an hour, they entered the small
village of Bidjie. Here their carriers dropped their loads, nor could
they be induced to resume them by the most pressing solicitations.
Nor would the villagers, as their duty required, take them up; but
when they were begged to do so, they laughed at them, so that they
were compelled to remain at Bidjie until the following day.
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