REVIEW — TRAVELS IN WESTERN AFRICA. 
47 
and thicker, and its legs less graceful than those of the red deer, 
which is lighter, and very much resembles our small deer in 
England. 
“ Swine are very superior in this place, being almost equal to 
those of England. Wild carnivorous animals abound in the bush 
in this neighbourhood, particularly the patakoo, or large hyaena, 
the panther, bush-cat, and small wolf. 
“ Fowls are plentiful here, and some are very large, owing to 
the breed being crossed by the large Portuguese fowl, which is 
brought over from the Brazils by the Portuguese slave-dealers. 
The Guinea fowl is found here also in great numbers, running wild 
in the neighbourhood.” 
Being one morning out with the intention of shooting some 
pigeons for breakfast, Mr. Duncan observed a flock of monkeys, 
and shot one. On carrying it home he was told that it was excel- 
lent eating, making, when cooked with palm oil and vegetables, 
excellent soup. At first, he did not relish even tasting the monkey 
soup : finding, however, that it was lusciously devoured by the 
natives, and pressed at last much by a hungry stomach himself, he 
ventured on a little, and found it “ very sweet,” and such as he 
should even have “relished,” had he not known what it had been. 
While at Whydah, to facilitate his excursionary visits to the 
surrounding parts of the country, Mr. Duncan, by a kind friend, 
had a horse lent him, to which by his ingenuity he not only fitted 
a saddle and bridle, and so equipped a la militaire , but also shod 
the animal himself, and made spare shoes besides to take with him 
when he set out on his journey. 
Upon this horse he proceeded to Abomey — the capital town and 
seat of empire of Dahomey- — where he was received with all 
honours due to an envoy from the Queen of Great Britain, and, along 
with various other compliments paid him, had to exhibit before the 
King of Dahomey in the character of an English life-guardsman. 
His majesty, after inspecting his military equipments and arms, 
and declaring that “ white men knew every thing,” desired next 
that our hero would exhibit before him on horseback, “ at the same 
time ordering two of his principal men to walk by my (his) side, 
and hold me on. This I did not properly understand at first, not 
knowing their language; but after retiring a sufficient distance from 
his majesty, clear of the soldiery, I formed a circle to the right. 
My two holders signified that I must not form circle to the right, 
the king alone possessing that privilege ; whereupon T counter- 
marched, and began a sharp trot, urging my two holders to keep 
out of my way, but all was of no avail. I then halted, and desired 
my interpreter to tell the king that Englishmen never required 
holding on their horse. Upon which he seemed surprised, and 
