SHIPWRECK OF THE MEDUSA. 343 
Several other islands, more or less extended than the pre- 
ceding, rise above the river near to St. Louis, as far as Po- 
dor; the greater part of which are not inhabited, although 
their soil is as fertile as those near Senegal. This indiffer- 
ence of the negroes in cultivating these' islands, is explained 
by the influence which the Moors of the Desert of Sahara are 
permitted to have over all the country bordeiing upon Senegal, 
the inhabitants of which they carry off to sell to the slave 
merchants of the island of St. Louis. It is not to be doubted 
that the abolition of the slave trade, and the acquisition which 
the French have made in the countiy of Dagama, will soon 
destroy the preponderance of the barbarians of the Desert 
upon the banks of the Senegal ; and that things being placed 
on their former footino-, the negroes established in the French 
colonies will be permitted to enjoy in peace the fields which 
they have planted. 
Among all the islands, Tolde, which is about two leagues 
in circumference, seems to be the most convenient for a mili- 
tary and agricultural station. 
Near to the village of Dagama, up the river, is the island 
of Morfil, which is not less than fifty leagues from east to 
west, and about eight or len in breadth. The negroes of the 
republic of Peules cultivate great quantities of millet, maize, 
indigo, cotton, and tobacco. The country of the Peules ne- 
groes extends about one hundred and twenty leagues, by 
thirty in breadth. It is a portion of the ancient empire of the 
negro AVolofs, Avhich, in former times, comprehended all 
the countries situated between the rivers Senegal and Gam- 
bia. The countr}?- of the Peules is watered by a branch of 
the Senegal, which thej^ call Morfil ; and, like Lower Egypt, 
owes irs extreme fertility to its annual overflowing. The sur- 
prising abundance of their harvests, which are twice a year, 
makes it considered as the granary of Senegal. Here are 
to be seen immense fields finely cultivated, extensive forests 
producing the rarest and finest kinds of trees, and a prodi- 
gious diversity of plants and shrubs fit for dyeing and medi- 
cine. 
To the east of the Peules is the country of Gklam, or Ka- 
yaga, situated two hundred leagues from the island of St. 
Louis. The French have an establishment in the village of 
Baquel. The eountr}^, from its being a little elevated, enjoys 
at all times a temperature sufficiently cool and healthful. Its 
soil is considered susceptible of every species of cultivation : 
the mines of gold and silver, which border upon it, promise 
