INTERIOR OF AFRICA. S9 
the common tribute. By means of these duties, the King of 
Bondou is well supplied with arms and ammunition ; a ckv 
cumstance which makes him formidable to the neighbouring 
states. 
The inhabitants differ in their complexions and national man- 
ners from the Mandingoes and Serawoollies, with whom they are 
frequently at war. Some years ago the King of Bondou crossed 
the Faleme river with a numerous army, and after a short and 
bloody campaign totally defeated the forces of Samboo King 
of Bambouk, who was obliged to sue for peace, and surrender 
to him all the towns along the eastern bank of the Faleme". 
The Foulahs in general (as has been observed in a former 
Chapter) are of a tawny complexion, with small features, and 
soft silky hair ; next to the Mandingoes they are undoubtedly 
the most considerable of all the nations in this part of Africa. 
Their original country is said to be Fooladoo (which signifies 
the country of the Foulahs) ; but they possess at present many 
other kingdoms at a great distance from each other : their com- 
plexion, however, is not exactly the same in the different dis- 
tricts ; in Bondou, and the other kingdoms which are situated 
in the vicinity of the Moorish territories, they are of a more 
yellow complexion than in the southern states. 
The Foulahs of Bondou are naturally of a mild and gentle 
disposition, but the uncharitable maxims of the Koran have made 
them less hospitable to strangers, and more reserved in their 
behaviour than the Mandingoes. They evidently consider all the 
Negro natives as their inferiors; and when talking of different 
nations, always rank themselves among the white people. 
I 2 
