INTERIOR OF AFRICA. 291 
his infancy, longs for nothing so much as an opportunity 
to display his valour, it is natural to imagine that wars fre- 
quently originate from very frivolous provocation. When one 
nation is more powerful than another, a pretext is seldom 
wanting for commencing hostilities. Thus the war between 
Kajaaga and Kasson was occasioned by the detention of a 
fugitive slave; that between Bambarra and Kaarta by the loss 
of a few cattle. Other cases of the same nature perpetually 
occur, in which the folly or mad ambition of their princes, and 
the zeal of their religious enthusiasts, give full employment to 
the scythe of desolation. 
The wars of Africa are of two kinds, which are distinguished 
by different appellations: that species which bears the greatest 
resemblance to our European contests, is denominated killi, a 
word signifying " to call out," because such wars are openly 
avowed, and previously declared. Wars of this description in 
Africa, commonly terminate, however, in the course of a single 
campaign. A battle is fought; the vanquished seldom thi;ik of 
rallying again ; the whole inhabitants become panic struck ; and 
the conquerors have only to bind the slaves, and carry off their 
plunder and their victims. Such of the prisoners as, through 
age or infirmity, are unable to endure fatigue, or are found unfit 
for sale, are considered as useless; and I have no doubt are 
frequently put to death. The same fate commonly awaits a 
chief, or any other person who has taken a very distinguished 
part in the war. And here it may be observed that, notwith- 
standing this exterminating system, it is surprising to behold 
how soon an African town is rebuilt and repeopled. The 
P p 2 
