VOYAGE TO SENEGAL. 
asking Lim the usual questions^, as to what bad brougîit liim into 
his country, he wished to know, if 1 had not sent him some pre- 
sent? Rubault answered that I intended to do so, but that he had 
distributed all the merchandise which I had given him. He, 
however, "promised to send the king whatever he might wish for, 
as soon as he arrived at Galam. His majesty appeared surpris- 
ed, and replied, that his father used to receive great presents 
from the factory at Galam; but he had had nothing from them. 
He concluded by adding that, as Rubault had brought him no 
present, he would not suffer him to depart. The next day, how- 
ever, he became more tractable, told him that no harm should 
happen to him ; but insisted on receiving a present, it being an 
ancient privilege which he ^vould not forego. It was at length 
agreed, that Rubaidt should send him a compliment from Ga- 
lam, w hicli was fixed at two pieces of guinea, a fine musket, four 
pounds of powder, one hundred fiints, one hundred bullets, and 
a pair of double-barrelled pistols. This demand from so power- 
ful a king was considered as very moderate; nevertheless, byway 
of making sure of the articles, he ordered three men to go with 
Rubault as far as Galam, under pretence of escorting him, where 
they faithfiilly received the promised allowance, as well as several 
magnificent presents for the king's women. 
The queen having reported her opinion to the other w^omen, 
they all wished to see the traveller, and he was in consequence 
conducted to the square where they resided. Immediately on 
his entrance, they all rushed out, surrounded him, and expressed 
their ^astonishment by laughing and shouting. Several of them 
would touch his eyes, and others, his hands, nose, &c, at which 
' they expressed surprise and curiosity : they then asked him a 
number of questions, as to the origin of the colour of his skin, 
as well as about the white women, their amorous propensities, 
and the conduct of their husbands towards them. -Rubault sa- 
tisfied them as well as he could, and did not fail to flatter them. 
Indeed, he asserts, that there were many of them that were hand- 
some and w ell shaped. Ivlost of them were young : he endea- 
voured to count them, but could not, as they were continually 
running about him; he, however, supposes, that there were at. 
least fifty. 
The village of Coursan is surrounded with palisades, and 
contains about I'i^JO inhabitants. Rubault then continued his 
journey; and oo the 17th quitted the kingdom of Bondou. The 
duties or customs are very rigorous in this state; and m many of 
its towns, the value of a bar in European merchandise is paid for 
the pa^>sage of a loaded ass. In the part where the king resides, 
they demand a mtisket and a barrel of powder. I lately spoke 
of the preparations for war, which this sovereign was making 
