150 DISCOVERIES OF THE FRENCH. 
to the north of Cape Blanco. Their object Was to 
construct some small barks, which are necessary in 
navigating the river of Senegal. Why they chose 
this place for such an operation, our author did not 
fully comprehend ; but he was struck with horror 
at the aspect of desolation which the tract every 
where exhibited. The soil consisted entirely of 
sand, so soft, that it sunk beneath the feet, and 
made it impossible to walk above fifty paces at 
a time. To whatever depth they dug, not a 
drop of water was ever found. The inhabitants, 
who resembled skeletons, rather than living be- 
ings, fled at the sight of the French, and could by 
no invitation be induced to approach. After va- 
rious ineffectual attempts to procure their fish in 
exchange for European goods, the following con- 
trivance occurred : The French laid down a cer- 
tain quantity of goods, and then retired ; upon 
which the natives, entering into the plan, came, 
took up the goods, and deposited in their stead a 
quantity of fish ; after which they took to flight with 
the utmost precipitation. At length, to the great 
joy of our traveller, the vessel left this inhospitable 
shore, and proceeded to the mouth of the Sene- 
gal. It was left at anchor near the bar, and the 
greater part of the equipage proceeded up to the 
village of Biyurt, where they landed. The French 
had then no settlement upon the river, so that 
their first operation was, with the assistance of the 
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