Akkrah and Adampe, Gold Coast, Africa. 335 



claims its derivation from primitive sources, or has been adopted in 

 consonance to the dictates of modern improvements. The result of 

 inquiries will go far to shew the probability of its being an innovation 

 induced by some of those moral revolutions that have terminated in 

 the entire subversion of all preceding conventionalities. It is a remark- 

 able fact that the fetish-houses in every locality are of a circular 

 form, which, owing to the arbitrary doctrines of their religious code or 

 other conventional prejudices, have stood the test of centuries un- 

 changed. Coeval in origin and in similarity of outline, the native tene- 

 ments may be said to have conjointly descended down the stream of 

 time with them, until the period when the transformation of the for- 

 mer came gradualy into public repute. That such was the case 

 there can be but little doubt, since, within the memory of existing 

 generations, conical mud huts were known not to be uncommon in 

 the suburbs of Akkrah, while in Prampram, Ningo, and other 

 Adampe towns, they are yet to be seen in their pristine simplicity, 

 though fast receding before the progress of what is now considered a 

 more rational system of architecture. 



The residences of the white and mulatto merchants and the influen- 

 tial natives, are erected on a much grander scale, and of more ex- 

 pensive materials. Isolated from each other, their snow-like exteriors, 

 and dignified altitude, soon stamped them as the most conspicuous 

 objects of a diversified landscape, and presented at the same time a 

 striking contrast to the low and dusky habitations by which they 

 were surrounded. Composed of stone, hewn from the neighbouring 

 quarries, and wood brought from the colder climates of the north, 

 they, by a skilful subserviency of means, united strength and solidity 

 with comfort and convenience. Built after the commodious plans 

 so prevalent in tropical countries, by having arched balconies or 

 corridors in front and rear, answering not only for pleasant prome- 

 nades, but serving as a protection against the rays of a fervid sun, 

 and likewise reduced to a mellowed softness the disagreeable glare 

 and temperature that would otherwise pervade the internal partitions. 

 These apartments are lofty, capacious, and well ventilated, and 

 according to the affluence of the inmates, are provided with a suffi- 

 ciency of domestic luxuries and other ornamental refinements, alone 

 to be found in the higher coteries of civilized life. From two to 

 three storeys in height, with flat roofs, they are in general of large 

 dimensions, containing, independently of other quarters, various wings 

 or enclosures, partially monopolized by the females, junior branches 

 of the family, and their numerous attendants. On the first storey 

 are ranged the reception, dining, and private chambers ; and on the 

 ground floor immediately underneath, are those set apart for mer- 

 cantile purposes and as depots for foreign and country stores. Con- 

 nected with the main edifice are several petty outhouses or offices, 

 the whole of which are encompassed by a strong stone wall, varying 

 from 12 to 18 feet in elevation. Within this boundary admission 



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