IN WESTERN AFRICA. 
235 
real hungry for the gospel, l^’ine have joined the 
seekers’ class, and the meetings are very encour- 
aging. Mr. Allen was there last Sabbath, and re- 
ports a very interesting meeting. I think we have 
nothing to fear but much to hope for in the future. 
Though discouragements arise, they shall vanish 
away. Joseph Gomer. 
May, 31. 1877. 
MAMBO, WEST AFRICA. 
This is a native town about ten miles from 
Shengay. The chief, Mr. Caulker, and Mr. Hero, 
our missionary at this place, came to meet us at 
the wharf. Mrs. Hero was with me. 
We do most of our traveling in boats; and it is 
quite a pleasant way, especially when the wind 
and tide are in our favor. 
It is customary to give a present to the chief or 
head-man on entering a place — ‘^to shake his 
hand.” Meantime the strangers” go to the bar- 
ra,” and wait till he comes. He sends his people 
to empty a house, which is given to them to use 
as long as they stay in the place. On leaving the 
town a good-by” present is given to the 
stranger;” which consists usually of rice, fowls, 
and occasionally a sheep, goat, or bullock, where 
they have these. I did not think it necessary to 
give a present on coming here ; but the head-man 
told the chief that the white woman had come, 
