202 
ISAACO'S JOURNAL. 
diately, but the rain prevented me ; at four P. M. embarked 
in a canoe, and went on till about ten P. M. Arrived at 
Mognongo, on the other side of the river, having passed 
nine villages. The river here is very wide. Departed 
again, and arrived at noon at Samman ; lodged with 
Guinguina, where we formerly lodged with Mr. Park, and 
where we lost three white men by sickness. At four P. M. 
departed, and arrived at sun-set at Sego-coro, on the 
opposite side of Samman, having passed four villages ; 
lodged with Sego Somma. 
This village was formerly the residence of the kings ; 
and to this day, when the King wishes to go to war, he 
always goes there to have his gris-gris ( amulets) made, and 
to prepare himself. When they take a king, a prince, or 
a man of high rank, whether a stranger, or of the country, 
they confine him until the fasting moon is come. He is 
brought in that moon to this village, and laid down in a 
house appropriated for this purpose only. His throat is 
then cut across. When the blood has completely stained 
the ground, the body is carried into the open field, and 
left a prey to the wild beasts. There is not a fasting moon, 
but that one or more are butchered in the house, and for 
the space of eight days after these executions, no man, 
whatever he may be, is allowed to pass by that house 
(called Kognoba) without pulling off his shoes or cap. 
