320 MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 
2. A tax ia gold upon all slaves purchased for the coast.* 
Customs paid in gold by all traders returning from the coast, 
levied near Ansa in Assin. 
3. A tax on the elephant hunters. 
4. The small pits in Soko, which with the washings were re- 
ported to yield, sometimes 2,000 ounces per month, at others not 
more than 700. 
5. The daily washings throughout Dankara, and the hills divi- 
ding Akim and Assin ; very rich in gold. 
6. A tax on every chief increasing the number of his gold 
ornaments. Apokoo paid SOperiguins to the King on melting 100. 
7. The soil of the market place (see Laws) has been washed but 
twice during the present reign. I was told it produced about 800 
ounces of gold each time. During our stay a heavy rain washed 
down a large quantity, which was replaced and carefully covered 
with the soil, by the Captain in charge of the market place. It 
was very easily seen after rain. 
The tributes of the various nations they had subdued, were in 
some instances fixed, but more frequently indefinite, being propor- 
tioned to the exigencies of the year; indeed from various conver- 
sations with Apokoo and others, and my own observations during 
state palavers, it appeared that the necessities and the designs of 
the Ashantee government were the superior considerations, and the 
rule in levying tribute everywhere. I made the following me- 
moranda. 
Inta and Dagwumba never pay in gold, which though plentiful 
from commerce, is not found there, cowries being the circulating 
medium. Their capitals and all their large towns send the following 
tribute annually, and the smaller in proportion. 
* Issert mentions this being levied in Akim and other tributary states. 
