336- 
COMMERCE OF BISSAO. 
groes than that of the Portuguese ; but at the same time its 
weakness makes them insolent, violent and liars ; they are 
rarely punished, and those who are free assume a perfect 
equality with Europeans. 
The inhabitants of the Archipelago of the Bisagos visit 
Bissao for the purpose of selling rice and slaves. On their 
arrival at Bissao, these Negroes exclaim ; " here is a vessel 
from the Bisagos !" and a market is immediately opened on 
the beach ; they bring fruits, the large size of which proves 
the fertility of the soil in their islands. It is difficult to 
conceive the rapidity with which their canoes glide through 
the water ; they are painted with variegated colours ; a piece 
of w^ood, armed with two iron horns and placed in the stern, 
is the tutelary deity appointed to protect them from the fury 
of the winds, which occasionally surprise them in the midst 
of calms, the only time in which they venture out. The 
Biafares bring ivory to Bissao ; the Balantes, salt ; the 
Mandingos, wax ; and the Poulas, gold and slaves. Since 
Almamy of Fouta Diallon has threatened to make war upon 
the Mandingos, they have not allowed his subjects to pass 
through their territories, with a view to prevent all competi- 
tion on their part. I saw three hundred and fifty slaves 
arrive in one month at the Portuguese establishments. 
The Papels, whose territories extend to the gates of 
Bissao, supply the market of that town with provisions. An 
event which I witnessed, proved to me the great importance 
