31^ 
SLAVE TRADE. 
share this light repast with a Mandingo, who happened at 
that moment to be prowling about our hut ; he came and sat 
down by us^ and needed no pressing, for he had probably 
tasted nothing since the evening before. I have often been 
obliged in the same way to share the little food I could get 
with these hungry and idle parasites^ who would rather 
starve than work for themselves. As our host neglected us 
so completely, we went out to procure some rice and yams 
for ourselves ; but we could find nothing in the village, for 
tlie devout almamy had forbidden the customary market 
twice a week, under pretence that it interfered with prayers. 
We sent to a neighbouring village, but were equally unsuc- 
cessful ; so we were forced to be content with the small 
portion which our host allowed us. We were informed 
that provisions were scarce, that there was not enough to 
last till next harvest, and that the scarcity extended to the 
neighbouring country. 
On the 3Cth of July, a camvan of saracolet merchants 
arrived at Sambatikila, on their way to Foulou to purchase 
slaves, whom they sell again in Foulou or Kankan. All the 
goods which are sold at the European settlements on the 
coast are destined for this infamous traffic • the slaves are 
not exported, it is true, but they are no better off than if 
they were. Slavery may perhaps be abolished in civilized 
Europe, but the wild and covetous African will long continue 
the barbarous custom of selling his fellow-crealures. It is so 
pleasant to live in idleness, and to enjoy the fruit of the 
labours of others, that every negro does all in his power to 
become a slave owner ; their ambition is limited to the pos- 
session of twelve or fifteen slaves, whom they employ entirely 
in agricultural labour. These poor creatures are ill-clothed, 
and work very hard ; but I never saw them ill-treated. 
They are commonly obliged to provide for their own support^ 
and have a field to themselves, which ihey cultivate for this 
