LUCAS. 
329 
ascend its stream. The passage is arduous, there 
being no mode of conveyance but by an ill-con- 
structed raft. On passing the stream, the aspect 
of nature is entirely changed. To the flat and 
desolate waste succeed high mountains, narrow 
valleys, and extensive woods, where, instead of 
any deficiency of water, miry and inundated roads 
become the chief obstacle to their progress. It 
appears, that, after crossing the Niger, they turn 
westward toward the Gold Coast, and crossing the 
mountains of Kong, terminate their peregrination 
at Asiente (Ashantee). The track thus passed 
over consists chiefly of a succession of hills, 
among which are some mountains of stupendous 
height. The vales are in general well cultivated, 
and the high grounds covered with numerous 
herds and flocks, though occasional deserts inter- 
vene. These tracks are occupied by a mixed 
population of Mahometans and negroes, who do 
not, however, regard each other with any degree 
of religious antipathy. The kingdom of Degom- 
bah is represented as peculiarly wealthy and civi- 
lized, and as distinguished by the art, elsewhere 
unknown in Africa, of taming the elephant. The 
articles of trade are gold, slaves, goat-skins, buf- 
faloe hides, and a species of nut called Gooroo. 
The difficulty experienced in penetrating from 
the north into central Africa, began to turn men's 
