298 PROFESSOR SMITH'S JOURNAL. 



up to a hill, which commands an excellent view of the 

 river, winding behind a high island, and re-appearing be- 

 yond it. The Captain having got into the palanquin, 

 which was constructed after the ancient Portuguese fashion, 

 and the party disposing itself into a sort of processional 

 order, and being puf in motion, which, contrary to European 

 custom, is here a full gallop, we soon arrived in the royal 

 city, which did not appear to us a very large one. With 

 its situation however, and neatness, we were more satisfied. 

 On an eminence among palms and Bombax, Adansonia, 

 and Ficus, and several other trees ; the straw huts were 

 scattered about, all of them surrounded by fences, near 

 which young trees had been carefully planted. We halted 

 by a large old tree, under whose sacred branches the 

 meetings of the elders are held, and all public business 

 transacted. After some time had elapsed, we were in- 

 vited to proceed to the residence of his Majesty, which is 

 composed of several huts ranged within a small enclosure. 

 The Captain was seated on an elevated place Avith a large 

 umbrella over his head, and we took our seats around hini. 

 The King, dressed out as if going to "a masquerade, in 

 drawers and a cloak of silk, and boots of marroquin, 

 with a large cap on his head, resembling that of a gre- 

 nadier, adorned with flowers, made his appearance, and 

 took his seat near the Captain. Next behind us were his 

 counsellors, surrounded by a great assemblage of people. 

 Mr, Simons, in an ancient court-dress, with a sailor's 

 hat on his head, had here the weighty charge of being the 

 interpreter, and had told us the preceding evening that 



