450 
MISSION TO ASHANTEE. 
Ba'i yamgwan boonoo. 
My mother fears this fetish man. 
My patience during a series of dull Empoongwa songs, was re- 
compensed by the introduction of a performer, as loathsome as his 
music was astonishing. It was a white negro from the interior 
country of Imbeekee ; his features betrayed his race, his hair was 
woolly, and of a sandy colour, with thick eye brows of the same; 
his eyes small, bright, and of a dark grey ; the light seemed to hurt 
them, and their constant quivering and rolling gave his counte- 
nance an air of insanity, which was confirmed by the actions of his 
head, and limbs, and the distortions of his mouth. His stature was 
middling, and his limbs very small ; his skin was dreadfully dis- 
eased, and where it was free from sores bore the appearance of 
being thrown on, it hung about him so loose and so shrivelled ; his 
voice was hollow, and his laugh loud, interspersed with African 
howls. His harp was formed of wood, except that part emitting 
the sound, which was covered with goat skin, perforated at the 
bottom. The bow to which the eight strings were fixed, was con- 
siderably curved, and there was no upright; the figurehead, which 
was well carved, was placed at the top of the body, the strings 
were twisted round long pegs, which easily turned when they 
wanted tuning, and, being made of the fibrous roots of palm wine. 
tree, were very tough and not apt to shp. The tone was full, har- 
monious, and deep. He sat on a low stool, and supporting his 
harp on his knee and shoulder, proceeded to tune it with great 
nicety; his hands seemed to wander amongst the strings until he 
s:radually formed a running accompaniment (but with little va- 
riety) to his extraordinary vociferations. At times, one deep and 
hollow note burst forth and died away ; the sounds of the harp 
became broken ; presently he looked up, pursuing all the actions 
