DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BONDOU AND FOUTATORO. i JÔ 
liang' it round liis neck, in order that the charm might effect 
a perfect cure. 
What a difference between the inhabitants of Bondou 
and those of Foutatoro ! The form of government I conceive 
to be the cause of it : I was no longer received with immo- 
derate laughter, I was taken by the hand and admired, if I 
may use the expression. The children, nay even adults, 
kept at a respectful distance, and spoke in a low voice. I was 
no longer harassed with unceasing and ridiculous questions ; 
here I found the kind hospitality of the Joloffs. I have 
remarked in Africa, that the most wealthy nations are the 
least hospitable, and that the republican tribes are cruel and 
insolent ; and lastly, that the more civilization has advanced, 
as in Foutatoro, the more the hearts of the natives are 
corrupted. 
A very general custom in Africa, and what many people 
would doubtless wish to see introduced in France, is to shut 
your eyes to rid yourself of troublesome people. Whenever 
they think that any one near them is asleep all retire ; it is 
the only method by which a stranger can obtain some repose. 
To be sure, with me this artifice was not always successful. 
At Boqui, for example, the east wind was so scorching, and the 
consuming heat which circulated in the atmosphere was at the 
same time so oppressive, that my senses were soon lulled into 
a profound sleep. This was the moment chosen by the women 
of the village to come and examine me ; before this they had 
