282 
THE CHIEF, EDINA. 
counting out his cowries, the country money. The 
object of the visit was explained, on which they were 
accompanied to the house of Edina or Missia, Abokko’s 
son, and ‘ Captain of the Port.’ 
He received them under a verandah or projecting eave 
of the circular buildings, the walls of which were rudely 
ornamented with red clays. The doors, neatly carved, 
represented in slight relievo, short swords, heads, and 
various small figures, not unlike Egyptian hieroglyphics. 
The verandah was covered with a well-wrought matting 
of grass and bamboo. While sitting with Edina, who 
appeared very glad to see us, several Mallams or 
priests, from Adda Kuddu came to pay their respects 
to him. On approaching the verandah, they pros- 
trated themselves, lifting earth to their foreheads nine 
times — they then entered, muttered a prayer for a few 
minutes — in which the host joined, and then shook 
hands in the native fashion, with the usual expression 
of welcome, Sinuh.” 
Edina, a Mahomedan, is a tall, fine-looking man, 
with rather a good head for a negro. He had on a 
red cap, and a long purple tobe, nicely ornamented over 
the breast with needlework. The feet uncovered, 
according to their custom. 
At the door of the hut opposite, several young and 
rather good-looking women were staring at the strangers, 
with the usual amount of laughter — these were some of 
Edina’s wives. On Dr. McWilliam asking him how 
