164 
CHARACTER OF THE PÔULAS. 
fattening- them. The Poulas have also many asses ; their 
horses are small, but excellent in point of speed. 
All the Poulas are Mahometans, and rig-id observers of 
the precepts of their religion ; inflamed with a zeal for con- 
version, they carry their intolerance even to fury. This is 
assuredly one of the most vain-g-lorious nations in existence. 
Foutatoro is according to its inhabitants the first country in 
the world, and the Poula infinitely superior to the native of 
any other region. In their opinion the European distinguishes 
himself only by his industry, but is weak and cowardly. 
The Negro is destined to live in slavery, and after death to be 
plunged into the flames of hell. The Moor alone is brave, and 
may be placed next after the Poula. Yet these people, 
although so haughty and presumptuous, have twice been com- 
pletely beaten by the Jolotfs. If they exercise hospitality 
towards a stranger, it is not from a motive of benevolence ; it 
is ostentation that generally induces them to ofler an asylum to 
the traveller. The character of the Poula is violent ; he soon 
flies into a passion; his comprehension is quick, but like the 
Negro, he is too indolent for long-continued reflection. Per- 
fidious and hypocritical, the Poula, at the moment when he 
gives you his hand, is perhaps forming in his mind a project 
for assassinating you. The Poula, whose colour is a deep 
black, is unsusceptible of any feeling of affection. Like all 
the races of Mulattoes, the Poulas despise the Negro, and 
