CACAGNE, THE FIRST VILLAGE OF FOUTA JALLON. 201 
reigned throug-hout : some meadows, situated at tlie foot of these 
steep hills, but partially interrupted this dreary uniformity. 
The flat country into which we afterwards descended, almost 
always inundated by the torrents which fall from the moun- 
tains, appeared fertile ; for it was covered with rich verdure. 
It was refreshing- to the eye, fatigued by the continued scene of 
barren mountains. The first place which w^e could discover to 
be inhabited by man, was Cacagné ; the chief of this village 
received us at his residence, and this first instance of hospi- 
tality was a good omen. 
March 28th. After so long a march we stood in need of 
repose. I was determined therefore to pass the day at Cacagné. 
The heat there is suffocating, because the high mountains 
which surround this village on all sides obstruct the free 
circulation of the air. In its territory, tobacco, rice, corn, 
millet, and a little cotton are cultivated. This place is a kind 
of mart, whither the merchants of Bondou repair to purchase 
the products of Fouta Jallon. I spent the day in making 
gris-gris, for which the inhabitants asked me, in order that 
they might become as rich as the white people. Some paid 
me with honey, others with milk. I was also consulted on 
what part of the body they were to be fastened. Boukari on 
his side was occupied in the saiîie manner ; a Negro even came 
to entreat him to write some prayers on his foot which was 
diseased ; Boukari complied with his desire. It must be 
admitted that this fetish was mysterious enough, for it would 
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