Mr Maxwell’s Observations 
Chiefs, as well as their dependants, are remarkably fond of to- 
bacco, which, however, from the method of curing it, is very 
bad. European spirits are in great request among them, — even 
Boonzie himself is not exempt from their bewitching influence, 
—so, what can he say to his erring flock ? 
Mode of Tbavelling.— A Chief, when travelling, or on a 
visit of ceremony, afiects a great deal of state, and is accom- 
panied by a considerable number of followers. He sits in a 
sort of hammock borne by four men, each of whom has a grass 
cushion upon his head, supporting a bamboo about twelve feet 
long, to which the hainmock is stretched. In this, the Chief 
sits, his legs hanging over the side, and his arms resting 
upon the bamboo. Twelve men are appointed to carry the 
hammock, which they do alternately, by fours ; some, to hold 
an umbrella over the Chief’s head, whilst others carry drums,, 
trumpets, lyres, and the chingonga. In this manner they easily 
travel twenty miles a-day. When it approaches a town or vil- 
lage, or meets another chief and his retinue, the cavalcade 
quickens its pace ; the different individuals form in a file behind 
the Chief, and the musicians exert all their energies in produ- 
cing a noise, than which, to an European ear, nothing can be 
more inharmonious or discordant. 
Consultations. — When any affair of importance is in con- 
templation, the neighbouring chieftains assemble to debate upon 
its expediency, and, if agreed upon, to concert proper measures 
for carrying it into execution. Each chief is attended by a cer- 
tain number of adherents, according to his rank. The confe- 
rence is generally held beneath the shade of some gigantic cotton- 
tree, whose wide spreading branches would screen a little army. 
Having seated themselves in a circle, palm-wine is introduced 
alongst with the subject of discussion, and no doubt contributes 
much to their eloquence ! Nor do they forget, amid the graver 
matters of the state, the minor, but more fascinating virtues of 
tobacco, to which, in all its modes, they do ample justice. 
Sang A. — The conference is preceded by a war-dance, called. 
Running Sanga ; and it is a point of ambition, who in the 
assembly shall exhibit this with the greatest effect, yet only a 
small number excel in it. The dance begins by a man rushing in- 
to the midst of the circle, brandishing a sword in his right-hand ; 
