3U 
THE AFRICAN ASSOCIATION 
character, and manners. The succession to the 
throne is determined by the election of the chief 
men, but their choice is confined to the royal family. 
The more enterprising of the Fezzan merchants 
f do not confine their commerce to the countries 
north of the Niger. They cross that river at a 
ferry situated 100 miles to the south of Cassina. 
The Niger here is reported to flow from east to 
west, and with such rapidity, that no vessel can as- 
cend its stream. The passage is arduous, there 
being no mode of conveyance but by an ill-con- 
structed raft. On passing the stream, the aspect 
of nature is entirely changed. To the flat and de- 
solate waste succeed high mountains, narrow val- 
leys, and extensive woods, where, instead of any de- 
ficiency of water, miry and inundated roads be- 
come the chief obstacle to their progress. It ap- 
pears, that, after crossing the Niger, they turn 
westward toward the Gold Coast, and crossing the 
mountains of Kong, terminate their peregrination 
at Asiente (Ashantee.) The track thus passed 
over consists chiefly of a succession of hills, among 
which are some mountains of stupendous height. 
The vales are in general well cultivated, and the 
high grounds covered with numerous herds and 
flocks ; though occasional deserts intervene. These 
tracks are occupied by a mixed population of Ma- 
hometans and negroes, who do not, however, regard 
each other with any degree of religious antipathy. 
