NATIVE MOURNING. 253 



times we fed upon the best food and in plenty, 

 and often upon one meal a-day. 



During the last week, a house made of bam- 

 boo and mats had been erected on the quarter- 

 deck, which was much cooler in consequence. 

 The carpenter still continued very weak, but had 

 commenced caulking the quarter-deck. I sent a 

 message of condolence to the king on the loss of 

 his daughter, and four canisters of powder for 

 fetish offerings. 



This was a day appointed by the king for me 

 to visit him ; but feeling indisposed, I sent a 

 messenger to excuse my non-attendance. The 

 king, queen, and other members of the royal 

 family were in mourning, which, according to the 

 custom of the country, consists in wearing a small 

 piece of cotton round the neck and each wrist, 

 every armlet and other ornament being entirely 

 laid aside. Sometimes a piece of string, made 

 from cotton, is worn round the ankle. The fore- 

 head is besmeared with wood ashes and clay 

 water, which is allowed to dry on. They likewise 

 powder their heads with wood ashes. 



The prisoners entrusted to my care a few days 

 ago by the king were still on board ; but our 

 supply of yams had been very irregular, and our 



