556 PLANS FOR EXPLORING AFRICA* 
tremely dignified 5 his mother and sisters, who 
paid a visit to the mission, were equally so, and 
were attended by the chiefs with surprising po- 
liteness. The king shewed high satisfaction at 
the presents offered to him ; he appeared struck 
with admiration, and even astonishment, at the 
arts and knowledge of the English. When a 
telescope and camera obscura were presented to 
him, he exclaimed, " White man next to God j 
" black man know nothing 
The capital of Ashantee is situated in a valley 
surrounded by extensive forests, and is supposed 
to contain about 40,000 inhabitants. The houses 
and dress of the mass of the people appear cha- 
racterized by the same simplicity which prevails 
among all the negro states. The ladies belonging 
to the king amount to above three hundred, and 
are kept in a large park or enclosure, " like phea- 
sants in a preserve." Each has a small house 
to herself, and may walk through the enclosure, 
but is not permitted to pass its limits. Amid 
striking features of civilization, traces of barbarism 
are still visible. Suicide is said to be common, 
and the funeral of great men is celebrated by hu- 
man sacrifices. 
Mr Bowdich obtained considerable informal 
tion respecting the countries in the interior from 
Ashantee. The route from thence to Tombuctoa, 
is much travelled j and he purchased from a 
