THE smith's forge. 115 



This rude substitute for bellows was inserted in 

 an aperture in the wall which led to the fire, and 

 was worked by a little boy, who appeared to un- 

 derstand his ofllce very well. There were two 

 smiths at work making axes, iron braces, and 

 nails for canoes : their hammers were large 

 pieces of iron, while stones supplied the place of 

 anvils, and charcoal was used for the fire. — I 

 also visited a manufactory where upwards of 

 twelve persons were employed in making wooden 

 spoons. 



The next day our boat was sent ashore with 

 Mr. Brown to the old Mallam, to receive some 

 cowries which he owed us ; and at 6 a. m. we got 

 under weigh, leaving the long-boat to follow. 

 In our progress we passed some very beautiful 

 views, and a small town, situated on the decli- 

 vity of a hill, and partly concealed by trees. 

 Several patches of cultivated ground on the 

 summit of the hill contributed greatly to the 

 richness of the scenery. We descended the 

 stream at a rapid rate, and at 11. 30 anchored 

 off" Ibbodo (Kacundah). 



In the afternoon, the canoe was sent ashore 

 to the king's residence, and an old trader came 

 on board, who was asked if he had seen or heard 



I 2 



