68 



the devil — -these luay seem very triHiug, such as a pinch of 

 snuff, an esculent root, or even a few drops of water ; of any 

 thing which they may be carrying through the grand gateway 

 of the enclosed and palisaded town. The Greboes worship the 

 spirits of departed friends and provide thera with conveniences 

 and comforts as if they Avere still living with them. 



They are polygamists like most other savage tribes — the 

 more wives they possess the more wealthy they are esteemed. 

 These are purchased, and age is no consideration. The patri- 

 archal form of government, in other respects than in this cus- 

 tom, seems to prevail among them, though strongly tinctured 

 nevertheless with democratical ideas. 



Black and white bullocks of small size, sheep with long 

 coarse hair, goats, dogs of a short haired variety wdth pointed 

 ears and having no bark, are found among them. Wild ani- 

 mals abound, the most destructive being the leopard ; antelopes 

 of great size and those of diminutive proportions — gennets, por- 

 cupines, racoons, &c. It is here that the simise or monkeys 

 exhibit their fullest development, and the gorilla and chim- 

 panza of this coast are among the most gigantic species known. 

 Lizards and serpents, some of astonishing vigor and appetite, 

 are found here. The most magnificent species of insects — 

 those of the Goliath beetle being preeminent for splendor and 

 proportions. Kinds of ichneumon flies prey upon the cockroach 

 and render themselves useful thereby. 



Dr. P. alluded to the American Colony, now founded upon 

 the shores of Western Africa, and expressed his convictions of 

 its ultimate and perfect success. Dr. P's lecture was listened 

 to, with marked attention,'on the conclusion of which the Insti- 

 tute adjourned. 



Thursday, March 80, 1854. 

 Evening Meeting. Hon. D. A. White, President, in the 

 chair. Record and list of donations, &c., read. 



The Institute then listened to Rev. Mr. Russell's third lee- 



