342 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA, 
CharaEleriJiics of the negroes, tjjl- u 
A great and ftriking difference as to the firmnefs and denfity 
of the fkin, between the negro and the white, whether it may 
or may not be called Jpecific^ as far as relates to the animal, is 
the caufe of feveral peculiarities, as well when they are in health 
as under the power of difeafe. In all cutaneous maladies, or 
fuch as ultimately relieve themfelves by fuppuration, the fuf- 
ferings of the blacks are exceffive. Blows of the whip, which 
in a white fubjedt would become encyfted tun;iors, difcharge, dry 
up, heal, and difappear in a few weeks, often remain in a negro 
more than a year. 
The bright red colour of th^ mufcular fibres, an apparently 
ftronger power of contraction, and the whitenefsj folidity, and 
weight of the bones, conftitute other peculiarities. The eyes 
have generally very diftin£l vifion. There are few inftances of 
myopes, and blindnefs is very uncommon. The teeth are white 
and firm ; they rarely complain of odontalgia, and retain their 
teeth to old age. Both the Furians and neighbouring negroes 
are attentive to preferve them clean, which is done by rubbing 
them with the fmall fibrous branches of the tree called Shaw. 
Natron. ir 
Natron is much ufed as a veterinary medicine. 
As 
