COUNCIL OF ELDERS. 
281 
Ian, Nafadi, Bacouco, Fouss^, Sofino, Dio-Samana^ and 
Kiemorou. The town is surrounded by fine thick quickset 
hedges, which protect it much better than a mud or earth 
wall. It has two entrances, one on the west, and the other 
on the east. The population does not amount to more than six 
thousand ; it is situated in a fertile plain of grey sand. None 
but very small hills are visible in the distance. In every 
direction there are small villages, or ourondes, for the slaves. 
These villages are ornaments to the country, for they are 
surrounded by fine plantations, where yams, maize, rice, 
foigne, onions, pistachio -nuts, and gombo are grown in 
abundance. 
The inhabitants of Kankan are governed by a chief, 
called the Dougau-tigui, who never pronounces any decision 
without first convoking the council of elders, which usually 
meets in the mosque, and at which 1 was often present. The 
greatest silence prevails at these meetings ; and, contrary to 
the usual practice of the negroes, each speaks in his turn, 
and those that do not conduct themselves properly are 
turned out. They are always very cautious in coming to a 
decision : they are afraid of committing an error, and there- 
fore, deliberate leisurely. They are all Mahometans, and 
entertain a mortal hatred of pagans or infidels. 
A market is held at Kankan three times a week, 
and, as I have before observed, all sorts of merchandise 
and necessaries of life are sold there. The Mandingoes 
are all traders, and travel a great deal. They go on foot 
to Sierra-Leone, Kakondy, Gambia, Senegal, and even to 
Jenne. Many of them spoke to me of M. Potin, a mer- 
chant at Senegal, and of M. Joffret, who belongs to the 
French factory at Albreda, on the Gambia. Their proximity 
to Boure renders the people very rich, for they bring large 
quantities of gold from that country. In time of peace the 
women of Kankan go to Boure to sell rice, millet, and various 
other articles of food, which they barter for gold. The 
