230 - MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 
Annona, Yoko, Inlchwa, Abadie, Appiadie, Tchweedam, Agoona, 
and Doomina; in which thej class themselves still, without any 
regard to national distinction. For instance, Ashantees, Warsaws, 
Akims, Ahantas, or men of any of the nations before mentioned 
will severally declare, that they belong to the Annona family ; 
other individuals of the different countries, thai they are of the 
Tchweedam family ; and when this is announced on meeting, they 
salute each other as brothers. The King of Ashantee is of the 
Annona family, so was our Accra and one of the Fantee hnguists ; 
Amanquatea is of the Essonna family. The Aquonna, Essonna, 
Intchwa, and Tchweedam, are the four patriarchal families, and 
preside over the intermediate ones, which are considered as the 
younger branches. I have taken some pains to acquire the ety- 
mology of these words, but with imperfect success ; it requires 
much labour and patience, both to make a native comprehend, and 
to be comprehended by him. Quonna is a buffalo, an animal 
forbade to be eaten by that family. Abrootoo signifies a corn 
stalk, and Abbradi a plantain. Annona is a parrot, but it is also 
said to be a characteristic of forbearance and patience. Esso is a 
bush cat, forbidden food to that family. Yoko is the red earth 
used to paint the lower parts of the houses in the interior. Intchwa 
is a dog, much relished by native epicures, and therefore a seri- 
ous privation. Appiadie signifies a servant race. Etchwee is a 
panther, frequently eaten in the interior, and therefore not unne- 
cessarily forbidden. Agoona signifies a place where palm oil is 
collected. These are all the etymologies in which the natives 
agree. Regarding these famifies as primaeval institutions, I leave 
the subject to the conjectures of others, merely submitting, that 
the four patriarchal families, the Buffalo, the Bush Cat, the Panther, 
and the Dog, appear to record the first race of men living on 
hunting; the Dog family, probably, first training that animal to 
