WAPPA. 
309 
appeared to be so incredible,, that symptoms of doubt 
were expressed, which induced “ Jack Smoke” to vindi- 
cate his honour by giving us occular demonstration of 
the truth of his assertion. He speedily knocked over 
a mound, and betrayed a small dark-coloured snake, 
which slowly moved from its lurking-place. 
These stmctures are certainly among the most won- 
derful specimens of insect architecture, and teach Man 
how poor and limited are his inventions compared 
with the wisdom of that Omnipotent Being, who 
can endow even the tiny Termites with instinct to 
prepare a dwelling more astonishing than any human 
work. 
Further inland, were many fine cabbage palms 
{Areca oleracea), the tender and unexpanded heads of 
which are so nutritious when boiled ; but even uncooked, 
they are juicy and sweet : Also the kola or goora-nut 
tree, (Sterculia acuminata) with rich dark leaf, its fruit 
enclosed in a long shining brown pod, which yields 
the African his favourite stomachic, and takes the place 
of the calumet of peace, in the black man’s reception 
of a stranger. 
The town of Wappa is about five miles from the 
river; the road thither is good and open. At the 
entrance to it, the party was obliged to halt near some 
lofty and spreading palms, until the chief, Egada 
Yaluelama, made his appearance, which he did not long 
delay, in expectation, doubtless, of a “ dash” or present 
from his visitors. He was very civil, offered palm-wine 
