49S MORAL AND POLITICAL STATE. 
mass of the nation seems combined with the dis- 
play of pomp and pageantry in the sovereign and 
his retainers. There does not appear, since the 
time of Leo, to have been any extension of 
Musulman influence in this part of Africa. The 
example of Tombuctoo might even lead us to 
infer a tendency in the native tribes to resume 
the ground v^^hich they had formerly lost. 
When we pass to the south of the central chain 
of rivers, we find all Africa filled with a popula- 
tion entirely native. Among the tribes belonging 
to the negro race, a few are found who have been 
converted to the Mahometan faith. This new 
profession, however, is always qualified with a 
large mixture of their ancient superstitions. In 
particular, it is never accompanied with those 
recluse and austere habits, which form the es- 
sence, as it were, of a genuine Musulman. 
Improvidence, gentleness, and the abandon of 
thoughtless gaiety, appear to compose the lead- 
ing features in the negro character. In a fertile 
soil, which supplies the necessaries of life with 
little labour ; with few natural wants, and stran- 
gers to artificial ones, they devote themselves 
wholly to pleasure. Music and dancing are in- 
dulged in with passion throughout all native 
Africa. From the period of sunset, says Gol- 
bery, " all Africa dances." Polygamy is still 
more characteristic of Pagan than of Mahometan 
