196 
CAGNOLA— B A FILA. 
on we came to Cagnola, a fine village, situated near a hill, 
below which runs a stream, that we had to cross. After 
we had ascended the hill, the road was covered with ferru- 
ginous stones. We found ourselves on an elevated plain, 
whence we could perceive a chain of very high mountains, 
extending further than the eye could reach, from N. E. | E. 
to S. W. They appeared to be covered with fine vege- 
tation. The Ba-fing has its source there ; and there are 
likewise numerous ponds of beautiful limpid water. These 
mountains give rise to several large rivers and streams, which 
fertilize this fine country and clothe it with a verdure, that is 
incessantly renewed. On the slope there are to be seen many 
small slave villages, surrounded with plantations of cotton 
and the fruits which are to be found in our colonies. These 
charming and picturesque spots delight the eye and help to 
relieve the monotony of the journey. Rice and many other 
articles are cultivated here. 
A violent storm came on from the east. We rapidly 
descended by a declivity, covered with large blocks of black 
granite, and red sand mixed with stones of the same colour. 
We proceeded three miles E. S. E. over a stony road. I 
observed some ferruginous rocks, and numerous springs 
issuing from among them. The storm approached, and we 
were overtaken by the rain, which fell in torrents. I used 
my umbrella, but it was of little service. On every side 
the rain water came pouring down the hills, and swelled 
the streams. We hurried forward to some huts, situated 
near a little hill, and there we halted. This hamlet is called 
Bafila, a name probably derived from its vicinity to the 
B^-fing (black river). We entered the hut of an old wo- 
man, who cheerfully afforded us hospitality. She gazed 
earnestly at me, and told me that she had never till then 
seen a Moor. Her little dwelling was surrounded with cas- 
savas, caribbee cabbages, giraumons, pistachios, and gombos. 
I likewise observed many kinds of herbs, with which I was 
