|54 DISCOVERIES OF THE ENGLISH. 
was found in such bad condition, that there re- 
mained no alternative but to burn it. The French 
laboured under still heavier suspicions ; but on a 
close inspection, they were found to be in such a 
predicament, that though of good stomake," 
they were able to do nothing. The Portuguese, 
however, no longer appeared, and the vessels con- 
tinued to carrj^ on some trade along the coast. 
They touched at a town which appeared, it is said, 
to be as large in circuit as London ; but as Towr- 
son labours under the infirmity of giving no names, 
it is impossible to say what town can have been 
so enormously exaggerated^ He admits that the 
buildings were as in other places and de- 
scribes a singular mode of defence, formed by 
cords stretched across the roads, to which bells 
were attached. Any stranger who entered, by 
touching the cords, rang the bells, and gave 
warning to the people on watch. These last, in 
case of its proving an enemy, were provided with 
nets, which they let fall upon and caught him. 
The king of this great city was called Abaan, in- 
to whose presence the English were readily ad- 
mitted. At this court there did not appear the 
usual African avidity for presents 5 and they were 
told, that it was not considered respectful to pre- 
sent these till the third visit. The presents were 
then graciously received ; and a regale of palm 
wine took place with various ceremonies. When 
