MR PARK'S FIRST JOURNEY. 385 
sembled at Kamaliah and its vicinity, various days 
were appointed for commencing the journey, but 
were repeatedly changed, till, at last, they all re- 
solved to remain in Manding till after the fast of 
Rhamadan. The negroes did not, like the Moors 
of Ludamar, compel Mr Park to observe this reli- 
gious ceremony ; but, as a testimony of respect for 
their religious opinions, he fasted three days, vo- 
luntarily, which was reckoned sufficient to exempt 
him from the charge of infidelity. During this re- 
sidence in Manding, he had an opportunity of ac- 
quiring accurate information concerning the man- 
ners of the people, and the nature and productions 
of the soil, though the danger of exciting the sus- 
picions of the natives prevented a very particular 
investigation. The property of the soil in Man- 
ding seemed to be vested in the Mansas, or chief 
magistrates, as managers of the public concerns, 
who assign to individuals as much territory as they 
can cultivate, without infringing the rights of others. 
As the soil is extremely fertile, the long grass, 
which, when withered, is used as a species of hay 
in Ludamar, is annually burned down in Manding 
and the negro countries. The conflagration pre- 
sents a scene of stupendous grandeur : at night, 
the plains and mountains are streaked with lines of 
fire, and the heavens are inflamed with the reflect- 
ed light ; during the day, moving pillars of smoke 
VOL. i. b b 
