72 FRENCH DISCOVERIES. 



In 1698, the same gentleman undertook another voyage, 

 in which he aimed not merely at the limited objects above 

 stated, but sought to ascend the Senegal as high as possible, 

 and to open a commercial intercourse with the interior. In 

 this voyage he had gained an amicable interview with the 

 Siratik, and employed four of his negroes in destroying an 

 enonnous lion which had infested the neighbourhood. Far- 

 ther on he observed some peculiar forms of the animal crea- 

 tion. The air for two hours was darkened by the passage 

 of a cloud of locusts, and the boats were covered with their 

 filth. Lions and elephants roamed in vast numbers ; but 

 the latter were quite tame and harmless unless when at- 

 tacked. Monkeys swanned in their usual multitudes ; and 

 in one place there was a species of a red colour, which ap- 

 peared extremely surprised at the view of the strangers, and 

 used to come in successive parties to gaze at them ; on 

 which occasion they conversed with each other, and even 

 threw down dry branches upon the boats. The French, we 

 know not why, fired and killed several ; upon which they 

 raised an extraordinary commotion, and sought, by throw- 

 ing stones and sticks, to avenge the fall of their comrades ; 

 but, soon finding the contest unequal, they retired for safety 

 into the woods. The navigators were also introduced to a 

 personage called "The King of the Bees," who, by the use 

 of a particular charm, came to the boat surrounded by thou- 

 sands of these insect*, over which he exercised an absolute 

 sway, guiding them as a shepherd docs his sheep, and com- 

 pletely securing all his friends against their formidable 

 stings. 



On reaching Gallam, Brue found himsetf in a somewhat 

 delicate position. Two rival princes disputed the throne, 

 each holding, at his respective residence, a certain sway ; 

 but each also claiming for himself the entire homage, and 

 all the presents brought by the director. The legitimate 

 prince, in particular, sent his son to remonstrate that his un- 

 doubted claim ought not to be set aside for that of an ephe- 

 meral usurper. The European, however, acting steadily on 

 the principle of self-interest, endeavoured to ascertain which 

 of the two sovereigns could most benefit the company; 

 and, finding the real power chiefly in the hands of the rebel, 

 bestowed on him the larger portion of good things. The 

 ether party was thereby so incensed that he even threatened 



