396 . park's first journey. 
mitted his guest to the care of the schoolmaster, 
a Bushreen of mild manners and tolerant prin- 
ciples, who possessed various books and manu- 
scripts, and read them with indefatigable applica- 
tion. The scholars received their instructions in 
the morning and evening, and, during the day, 
were employed as domestic slaves in the service of 
their master. They are chiefly the children of 
Pagans, who, induced by the desire of knowledge, 
imbibe and propagate the doctrines of Mahomet 
by this mode, which, except at Sierra Leone, has 
never been attempted by the Christians. Mr Park 
believes, that a short introduction to Christianity, 
elegantly printed in Arabic, and distributed among 
the negroes, who read that language, would have 
a wonderful effect in disseminating the mild 
doctrines of Christianity, and, from its superior 
elegance and cheapness, might soon be classed 
among the school-books of Africa. On the 24th 
of January Karfa returned from Kancaba ; and, 
as all the Slatees and slaves of the coffle or cara- 
van were assembled at Kamaliah and its vicinity, 
various days were appointed for commencing the 
journey, but were repeatedly changed, till, at last, 
they all resolved to remain in Manding till after 
the fast of Rhamadan. The negroes did not, like 
the Moors of Ludamar, compel Mr Park to ob- 
serve this religious ceremony ; but, as a testimony 
of respect for their religious opinions, he fastecj 
