483 



upwards. This I have often seen, and proved their exactness by 

 weighing the same pieces in EngUsh scales. 



" Gold is also found, in Central Nigritia, and on the Guinea 

 coast; this I believe is principally in dust, and obtained by the 

 same method of washing. 



*\I have seen a piece of gold in its natural rough state ; it was a 

 solid piece, about five inches long, and of the thickness of a com- 

 mon writing quill. It was smooth in appearance, but seemingly 

 composed of a number of layers, compressed together by a natural 

 mechanical force, with veins like the grain of wood from the root 

 of a tree. 



" In the countries I have here alluded to, the natives cultivate 

 farms, but in a very careless and rough manner, merely cutting 

 down the trees, but never rooting up the stumps or clearing away 

 the smaller plants, but plant the rice or cassava negligently among 

 the whole of this stubble, waiting till the rice, &c. may grow, to 

 distinguish one from the other. They never sow or make use of 

 the same farm a second time ; but the soil is excessively sterile and 

 sandy. Domestic poultry is plentiful; also sheep, and other 

 horned cattle. They take great care of their cows, milk forming 

 a principal luxury in their daily diet. 



" The gold strangers invariably visit Sierra-Leone, accompanied 

 by several slaves, who bring ivory and other articles for barter. 

 They all represent the countries from which they come, as possess- 

 ing plenty of gold, but no facilities for procuring it. 



" Salt is considered a great luxury in the interior of Africa, and 

 eagerly sought after in trading. 



. "I remain, my dear Sir, 



" Yours, assuredly, 



"W. Gabbidon." 



The Rev. H. Lloyd, V.P., read the following communica- 

 tion by Dr. Apjohn, on the value of the numerical coefficient, 

 in the formula for the force of aqueous vapour in the at- 

 mosphere, as derived from the observations of the wet and 

 dry thermometers. 



