GALI. 
239 
country through which we had passed for the last two days, 
was fertile and well cultivated. The slaves were engaged in 
agricultural labours, under the inspection of their master. 
Some were digging the ground, others sowing grain, while the 
children were collecting the dung of the cattle to serve for 
fuel during the rainy season, for the Negroes do not then like 
to go abroad to cut wood in the forests. In the middle of the 
day we halted at rumbdé Gali, which may be distinguished 
at a great distance by two very lofty trees of the species called 
hentang. The inhabitants of this village were afflicted with 
venereal diseases; they came in crowds to ask rae for medicines ; 
for the Negroes, it is well known, consider all white men as 
physicians. I felt mortified at not being able to answer the 
high opinion these poor people entertained of my talents ; 
they were certainly worthy of my compassion, for some were 
in so much pain that they uttered loud cries. A few sudorifics 
are the only remedies which Providence has placed within the 
reach of these unfortunate beings ; they know the use of them, 
but they do not appear sufficient for their relief. I was glad to 
quit this dismal place, where my ears were incessantly assailed 
by the sound of plaintive voices. We passed the night at 
Dongue. 
T had promised my guide a kid to celebrate the discovery 
of the sources ; I performed my promise at Dongue. He was 
employed to kill the kid. According to the custom of some 
African butchers, he swallowed the spleen raw, and entire, 
