302 INHABITANTS OF 



through the exertions of Colonel Nicolls, and 

 the influence he possessed, combined with the 

 confidence they repose in the justice of his de- 

 cisions, referring every dispute to him ; they are 

 now living in peace and amity. 



They are a well-made athletic people, rather 

 under the middle size, with a much more intelli- 

 gent countenance than their neighbours on the 

 opposite coast. It has been said that they have 

 a cross of Portuguese blood in them, from the 

 crew of a Portuguese vessel that was lost on the 

 island in the early ages of discovery. Of this I 

 think there is no proof, unless their abominably 

 dirty habits may be adduced as establishing the 

 relationship ; the Portuguese being the dirtiest of 

 European nations, and the Boobies (the name of 

 the inhabitants of Fernando Po) the dirtiest of 

 the blacks. 



They cultivate yams in large quantities, and 

 are great fishermen ; they are exceedingly fond of 

 the entrails of fowls and sheep, which after slap- 

 ping upon their shoulder a few times, they draw 

 across the fire and eat with great relish. Small 

 deer abound in this island ; and Colonel Nicolis 

 was regularly supplied with them by the natives, 

 who take them in snares, and claim in return 

 a little powder and shot to shoot monkeys. 



