INTERIOR OF AFRICA. l^l 
me, that he could read the writings of the Christians: he 
shewed me a number of barbarous characters, which he asserted 
were the Roman alphabet; and he produced another specimen, 
equally unintelligible, which he declared to be the Kallam il 
Indi, or Persian. His library consisted of nine volumes in 
quarto; most of them, I believe, were books of religion ; for the 
name of Mahomet appeared, in red letters, in almost every 
page of each. His scholars wrote their lessons upon thin boards ; 
paper being too expensive for general use. The boys were 
diligent enough, and appeared to possess a considerable share 
of emulation ; carrying their boards slung over their shoulders, 
when about their common employments. When a boy has 
committed to memory a few of their, prayers, and can read and 
write certain parts of the Koran, he is reckoned sufficiently in- 
structed ; and, with this slender stock of learning, commences 
his career of life. Proud of his acquirements, he surveys with 
contempt the unlettered Negro; and embraces every oppor- 
tunity of displaying his superiority over such of his country- 
men, as are not distinguished by the same accomplishments. 
The education of the girls is neglected altogether: mental 
accomplishments are but little attended to by the women ; nor 
is the want of them considered by the men, as a defect in the 
female character. They are regarded, I believe, as an inferior 
species of animals ; and seem to be brought up for no other 
purpose, than that of administering to the sensual pleasures of 
their imperious masters. Voluptuousness is, therefore, consi- 
dered as their chief accomplishment, and slavish submission as 
their indispensable duty. 
