PREFACE. 
Near thirty years ago a small book, entitled “Off-hand Sketches 
in Africa, was written and published by the author of the pres- 
ent volume. It received sufficient favor to justify the issuing 
of several editions. Most of the matter contained in that volume, 
thoroughly revised, and with material additions, has been trans- 
ferred to the pages of the present book. Other portions of the 
book, especially some of the letters from missionaries in Africa, 
and the notes from the journal of one of their number, are now 
for the first time given to the public. These portions will be 
found valuable as aiding in giving a connected history of Sherbro 
Mission. The illustrations of African scenery, implements, and 
so on, with a single exception, are engraved from original photo- 
graphs, as are also those of the persons represented, and may be 
relied on as essentially corredl. The map of the Sherbro country 
and adjacent regions, engraved especially for this book, will be 
found valuable. Rev. J. K. Billheimer, who is familiar with the 
country, testifies to its essential accuracy. The book is sent forth 
with a sincere desire that by contributing to the increase of 
knowledge of western Africa and the condition of its people, it 
may aid in awakening Christian sympathy and stimulating effort 
for the deliverance of millions from the night and chains of 
heathenism. 
D. K. FTICKINGKR. 
iv 
