224 DISCOVERIES OF THE FRENCH. 
and their bonnet to the cowl of a Capuchin monk. 
The chief embellishment is bestowed upon their 
hair, which, in the higher ranks, is entirely cover- 
ed with ornaments of coral, gold, and glass. 
Another article most copiously worn is that of 
grisgriSy or charms ; the consumption of which is 
only bounded by the means of purchase. The 
bodies of the chiefs are so encumbered with these 
defences, that they are often unable to mount on 
horseback without assistance. These grisgris, 
however, in consequence of enveloping them so 
completely, actually form a species of panoply 
against hostile weapons. They consist merely of 
pieces of paper, covered by the Marabouts with 
Arabic characters ; but the purchasers carefully 
wrap them in cloth, or even enclose them in cases 
of gold and silver. There are grisgris against 
the danger of drowning, — against wild beasts,-— 
against warlike weapons, — against every object, 
in short, which can be a cause of dread to the 
human mind ; and it is said that a negro, thus 
armed, will expose himself to every form of death, 
without the slightest apprehension. It may easily 
be supposed, that for the Marabouts, to whom it 
costs nothing, the manufacture must constitute 
a most lucrative occupation. 
The form of Mahometanism established among 
the negroes is, in many respects, imperfect. In- 
stead of praying five times a-day, according to the 
