CORRESPONDENCE. 



To THE Editors op " The Analyst." 



Gentlemen, 



Being once more in my own quiet room, after a hurried and ha- 

 rassing visit to London, I take the earliest opportunity of writing to 

 you, for the purpose of mentioning certain things and circumstances 

 which afforded to me both satisfaction and improvement. 



I left Hull, by the Water Witch steamer, for London, July 8th. 

 There were many passengers, some, of course, very commonplace, 

 and others highly-interesting companions. Among the latter spe- 

 cies may be mentioned two Anglo- African merchants. One of them 

 had resided some years in a colony near the river Gambia, and the 

 other at Fernando river. Our conversation consisted of statements 

 on their part, and questions on mine, on the social, moral, intellec- 

 tual, and commercial condition of the African aborigines. In con- 

 nection with the commercial information they gave me, I think the 

 following facts somewhat important. Firstly, that there is a great 

 quantity of gold, in various sized pieces, along the whole line of 

 coast, and which rich metal is only mechanically mixed with the al- 

 luvial soil ; so that it requires little capital or trouble to collect the 

 ore together. Secondly, that, from this and other sources, a fine 

 prospect is afforded for commercial speculation, particularly as Eng- 

 lish manufactures are preferred by the natives. Thirdly, that when 

 European settlers are temperate, and not addicted to sensual excesses 

 of any kind, they may enjoy very good health. One of the gentle- 

 men was a man of colour, and the other an Englishman, but both 

 looked extremely well, and very intelligent. They particularly 

 wished for a list of good elementary works on Science, Physiology, 

 &c. ; they were also much pleased with Phrenology, and were eager 

 to know something about it. By the way, I found almost every 

 body desirous of obtaining some phrenological information. Truth 

 may be slow in its progress, but nothing can ultimately impede it. 

 Whatever the obstacles or the prejudices which have hitherto re- 

 tarded the philosophy of Gall and Spurzheim, they will now be 

 crumbled to pieces, and be dissipated like chaff before the wind ; 

 because the common sense part of the community begin to recognize 

 the importance of Phrenology for education, for criminal legislation, 

 and for the treatment of the insane. 



When in London I called at most of the institutions, and found 

 them in a flourishing state ; I also saw many private collections of 



VOL. VII., NO. XXI. M 



