NARRATIVE. 197 



the results of tliis one day's work will shew to those who peruse 

 the appendix, particularly, as there was but one fishing-boat in 

 the place, which did not make its appearance tiU five in the 

 afternoon. We managed to depart before sunset, notwithstanding 

 the efforts of the Commandant, who was in his usual state of 

 drunkenness, and whose ill humoui-, we were told, always in- 

 creased with the quantity of wine he swallowed. He made the 

 OAvnier of the vessel pay nineteen dollars for port dues, although 

 he did not trade, but merely took in a few planks, and two or 

 three bolts of canvass. After a voyage of twelve days, we reached 

 the River Gambia at night-fall, and proceeding up it, came to 

 anchor at too late an hoiu to disembark. 



On the following morning, ]Mr. Bowdich presented his letters 

 to the Commandant, (Captain Findlay) who immediately received 

 us aU at the Government-House, with the most hospitable 

 kindness. We intended to remain at Bathurst a month, and then 

 proceed to Sierra Leone ; but as the River Gambia is so httle 

 knoMTi to science, Mr. Bowdich lost no time in commencing its 

 survey, and examining its natural productions. When not 

 other^\'ise employed, he himself made excursions, and in the 

 course of three weeks, the botany of Banjole (the island on which 

 Bathurst stands) was nearly completed, and after ^Ir. Bowdich's 

 visit to Cape St. Marys, many plants were added from the main 

 land. The usual means were resorted to, of purchasing the birds, 

 shells, <^c., brought us by the natives, and every facihty was 

 afforded by our countrymen, particularly by the Commandant, 

 whose anxiety for the survey seemed to equal ]Mr. Bowdich's. 

 The government-boats, and as many men as were required, were 



returned for a full cargo, accompanied by two others ; but, when the Portuguese 

 Government were, by this proceeding, made sensible of their riches, they forbade any 

 further exportation, although, it would seem, they have never made any use of the 

 clay for themselves. 



