30 
THE KONDOO. 
also saw several asses loaded with these bundles. I asked 
my comrades what was done with this plant : they told me, 
that after it is well washed and dried by the women, it is 
reduced to a fine powder, which is put into a large earthen 
vase, having the bottom perforated with small holes. Upon 
the powder warm water is poured, and, in filtering, the water 
becomes impregnated with the essence of the plant, which is 
of a saccharine nature. The liquor thus obtained is much 
esteemed by the natives, who relish it greatly ; but it has the 
effect of a purgative on persons not accustomed to drink it. 
It always retains a slightly smoky flavour, which renders it 
disagreeable to strangers. The Mahomedan natives indulge 
in this beverage without scruple : the Moors also drink it, 
but they always mix with it a little sour milk. 
The stalk of the kondoo is as thick as a reed ; it is a 
creeping plant, about eight or ten feet long; the leaves, 
which are narrow, are six or eight inches long ; their edges 
are indented or serrated. The banks of the Dhioliba are 
covered with this plant. The Dirimans and some Foulahs 
who inhabit Tircy came to sell us this liquor, sour milk, 
fresh butter, dry fish, and mats. About a glassful of milk 
was sold for five cowries. I suppose that provisions were 
scarce in this village, for the dealers hawked their goods on 
the shore, and, in general, would take nothing but millet in 
payment. It is true, that among the number, there were 
many pastoral Foulahs who pay no attention to agriculture, 
and whose only resource consists in their cattle. Never 
travelling, and not being near any markets, cowries are of no 
use to them; but millet is always a ready and acceptable 
food, A bowl full of millet purchases twice the quantity of 
milk which the same bowl will hold. This is the fixed 
rate of dealing in the country. Young girls of twelve or 
fourteen years lined the bank of the river, offering to sell us 
their merchandise : they were nearly naked, having only a 
pagne round their loins. 
