ADAMS* S NARRATIVE. 
are violent in their quarrels, and employ, as means 
of offence, not only their fists, but the still less 
dignified practice of biting. On the whole, how- 
ever, they are a good-natured people, and exceed- 
ingly gay. The favourite amusement, as in all 
negro states, is dancing. A large party for this 
purpose is generally formed once a week, and is 
often continued during the whole night. At first 
the men take the chief part ; but when the females 
join, it ceases to be conducted with much regard 
to decorum. They have several species of musical 
instruments, rudely constructed of reeds, ostrich 
quills, and cocoa nut shells. They were in general 
very dirty, and only the king, queen, and principal 
people, had a change of dress about once a week. 
Ivory ornaments, and gold ear-rings, were worn by 
ail who could procure them ; and no present was 
so highly valued. Some had rings also upon their 
fingers ; but these appeared to be of brass, and of 
Moorish manufacture. The articles of furniture 
consist solely of earthen jars, wooden bowls, and 
mats made of grass (palmeto), which are used for 
sleeping upon. 
The food at Tombuctoo consists chiefly of Guinea 
corn ground between two flat stones, and boiled 
up into a thick mess, over which goat's milk is then 
poured. Men, women, and children, sit round 
indiscriminately, and eat it with their fingers, ac- 
cording to the universal practice of Africa. Not 
