The Bubis or Edeeyah of Fernando Po. 233 . 



11,000 feet, forms the leading feature ; while a less elevated 

 range, at the southern end, separates Melville Bay and Cape 

 Badgely. The appearance of the island is picturesque in the 

 extreme, being well wooded, even towards the higher ranges ; 

 while, skirting the sea, may be observed numerous varieties 

 of high and umbrageous trees, among which the graceful 

 palm and the towering bombax, or cotton ti-ee, stand forth 

 conspicuous. At most of the little ravines, a stream of good 

 clear water is found ; but in no part of the island could be 

 discovei'ed any marsh or alluvial deposites. The rainy season 

 lasts from May to December, when it is followed by the 

 " smokes, '' a peculiar dense vapour which envelopes the 

 island, and extends for some distance to seaward. 



The object of the present paper is to bring under consi- 

 deration the physical and moral condition of the " Edeeyah.'' 

 It is unnecessary, therefore, to dwell at greater length on the 

 characteristics of the island ; suffice it to say, that whether 

 we examine its animal, its vegetable, or mineral productions, 

 novelty is written on all. Little notice has, however, been 

 taken of this small portion of Western Africa, although it is 

 only 20 miles from the mainland of Cameroons, and many of 

 the vegetables, and nearly all the animals, are peculiar to it- 

 self ; while the natives offer, in their language, customs, and 

 even in their physical appearance, such distinctions to their 

 continental neighbours, as fairly entitle them to be placed by 

 themselves. 



It may be proper to state, that the nature of the country 

 • is so mountainous, and covered with such impenetrable foi'ests, 

 that the natives of its opposite sides are almost unknown to 

 each other, which rendered it impossible for me, with my limit- 

 ed means, to visit in person all the native towns to be men- 

 tioned ; but the information on each was received, with due 

 precaution, from creditable and competent persons, who, in 

 trading speculations, had passed some time among them. 



Altogether there are about fifteen native towns and villages 

 situated at diffei'ent points of the island, and in some of them 

 the dialects spoken are so peculiar and distinct as to be quite 

 unintelligible to their neighbours. 



Thus at Banna-pS, Bassa-poo, Bassi-li. Rebdl-la, Bario-batah, 

 liassft-pu, Bu-otonos, TupuUiJ-pulla, tiie language or dialect 



