218 POLITICAL CIRCULAR LETTER. 
CHAPTER VIII. 
Bridge over the Tankisso. — Departure for the Kankan, — Description of 
Fouta-Dhialon. — Character, Manners and Customs of the Foulahs. — 
Country of Kankan-Fodea. — Butter-tree. — Course of the Dhioliba — 
Countries of Couranco, Sangaran, and Kissi-kissi. — Mandingo niarriages. 
— River of Bandiegue. — Bagaraya. — Saraya. — Bacocouda. — Warlike 
dances. 
On the 24tli of May, I went with Ibrahim to a Mandingo who 
was shortly to set out for the Kankan. My guide strongly 
recommended me to him, and I determined to avail myself 
of the opportunity of accompanying him. I promised that 
on our arrival in that country I would make him a handsome 
present. In the course of the day, a Mandingo asked me 
for medicine to cure impotence in his own person ; his wife, 
he said, complained of him and was even guilty of infideUty. 
He added that a little boy who was running about was her 
son by one of her lovers, "But," said he, with a sigh, " I cannot 
blame her since I cannot do as much for her." As ginger grew 
in the environs, I advised him to eat plenty of it and assured 
him that it would do him good ; but this prescription did 
not satisfy him. He wished for a dose of jalap, which I gave 
him to get rid of him. 
I went to the evening prayer where, contrary to custom, 
I found a great number of Mandingoes assembled. On leaving 
the mosque they all formed a circle round the old chief. He 
made a short speech, informing them that a messenger had 
arrived from Timbo with a circular letter, which should be 
read to them, and to which he requested them to pay atten- 
tion. A marabout who was seated beside him then read the 
letter aloud. It stated that the almamy Yayaye was deposed. 
