CUSTOMS. . 281 
out simultaneously. They further pretend, that from the fruit of 
this tree spring various kinds of vegetables. This account of the 
tree, known in Warsaw as well, is peculiar to Ashantee. The 
customs are alternately called the great and little Adai, the former 
taking place always on a Sunday, the latter on a Wednesday ; and 
it appeared to me, from calculation, that there were six weeks 
between each great Adai, and six between each little one, so that 
the custom was generally held every twenty-one days. 
The large drum which stands at the entrance of the palace, 
adorned with skulls and thigh bones, is struck with great force at 
sun set the preceding day, as a signal ; the whole of the establish- 
ment of the palace shout, and their shout is echoed by the people 
throughout the town. Music and firing generally beguile the night. 
The next morning the King goes to the fetish house, (Himma,) 
opposite the palace, and offers several sheep ; the blood of this 
sacrifice is poured on the gold stool, to which extraordinary virtues 
are ascribed, being considered the palladium of the kingdom : the 
deposition of Sai Quamina was protracted from his having it in his 
possession at Dwabin. The caboceers and captains, many coming 
from towns two or three days distant, begin to march to the large 
yard of the palace about sun rise, to secure their places. We 
generally attended between nine and ten, when the King had just 
seated himself. The first ceremony was penetrating to the King, 
through the various state officers and attendants, to wish him good 
morning, at which he slightly inclined his head. The chiefs as they 
advanced to do so, were supported and followed by a few favourite 
attendants, who fliourished their swords in the air, the gold handles 
upwards, and the band of each began to play as he left his seat. 
Young caboceers of five and six years of age, stalked by with 
interesting vanity. After this the King left his chair, which was 
turned upside down, and retired a few^ minutes into the palace, 
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