212 
BINNEMAH. 
countably, they trod underfoot in the mire. It was 
difficult to imagine what could be the motive for this, 
though it appeared to be something like pride; they 
were possibly indignant at presents being offered in such 
a way ! since they were most eager to receive the cowries 
when offered by the hand, and there was soon as active 
a scramble for them, though not half so diverting, as 
had been before witnessed on the water. The village 
Binnemah contained about thirty-five huts, and with 
several others, belongs to the chief of a district, called 
Hippotiamah ; but whether independent, or owing allegi- 
ance to the more powerful Chiefs, Obi, or Boy, was 
not ascertained. After again grounding for a short 
time, the ‘Albert’ anchored for the night, with the 
‘ Soudan’ and the ‘Amelia’ tender. 
August 25. — The vessels proceeded at daylight; 
found the Nim branch very much wider, being then 
above some large divergents. The number of villages 
increased, and they were cAudently larger and more 
populous ; at some, the inhabitants appeared, very 
desirous of visiting the white strangers, and the chiefs 
came off with small presents of yams, plantains, fowls, 
&c. : at others again, they exhibited cA^ery symptom of 
alarm, and took refuge in the bush as the steam-boat 
passed. At several places, Dr. M‘William landed and 
administered the blessing of the “ healing art” to some 
suffering natives. Nothing particular occurred till they 
arrived in the evening at the anchorage of the ‘ Wilber- 
