580 
PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION E. 
As the tide was against us, and more particularly as a strong 
southerly wind was blowing, I ordered the pilot to let go two anchors, 
and we Jay off shore on the N\N.E. side of the island. Having secured 
the safety of the vessel, I had the boat lowered and went ashore, 
accompanied by three sailors and Ounouma, who acted in the double 
capacity of interpreter and servant. As for arms, I only carried a 
"Winchester repeating ride, the boat’s crew being unarmed. 
On landing we walked for half-au-hour over a beach of very fine, 
white sand, the reflection from which was very distressing to the 
eyes. W e then discovered a track about three feet wide, which led us 
at once into a fine forest of palm-trees (not the African date palm), 
mango-trees, and silk-cotton trees ( Bombax ). 
1 do not know whether all travellers are susceptible of similar 
impressions, but, for myself, I confess that one of the principal 
charms of my explorations has lain in the unexpected and sudden 
discovery of these African forests with their foliage of brilliant 
verdure, their narrow pathways, and their gigantic and bizarre-looking 
lianas. As the traveller plunges into these vast domes of verdure, he is 
seized by that religious emotion which Chateaubriand speaks of in his 
admirable descriptions of the virgin forests of America. 
We had marched thus for over two hours in Indian file, when 
suddenly we perceived two natives, nearly naked, who were sowing a 
ricefield. The instant they saw us, both uttered savage yells of t error, 
and incontinently took to their heels. But Ounouma, who had good 
legs, was after them like a shot, and in a short time had caught them 
and allayed their fears. A few tobacco leaves had the effect of fully 
pacifying them, aud, thanks to the information they gave us, we 
succeeded before mid-day in reaching the principal village of the 
island. 
The main object of my journey being the exploration of Kagnabak 
for the dual purpose of geographical research and commercial enter- 
prise, it would serve no purpose to discourse at length on a descrip- 
tion of Galinha, or of the mode of my reception by the King, 
Ondotto.* 1 therefore confine myself to the reproduction of the 
following notes taken from my memorandum-book and jotted down at 
convenient moments : — 
The island of Galinha is situated to the south-west of Bolama, 
from which it is separated by a broad channel, through which pass all 
vessels navigating this archipelago. The inhabitants, to the number 
of about 350, belong exclusively to the Bijougoth race. They are an 
agricultural people, and cultivate rice, Arachis, bananas, and oranges, 
and devote themselves especially to the breeding of fowta The name 
“ Galinha,” which in Creole Portuguese signifies “fowl” or “hen,” 
was given to the island by one of Vasco de Gama’s companions in 
remembrance of the quantities of fowls he found there.^ At present a 
singular disease is working havoc amongst these useful birds, which 
seems to threaten them with utter extinction. 
* The title of king is given to each of the chiefs of the Bissagos Islands. It is not 
hereditary. On the death of a king, the Bijongoths (Bissagos) choose his successor 
from amongst the most eligible of the old men. All these ‘kinglets are, as a rule, 
very poor. They go about clothed in rags, and wear as a distinctive badge of tneir 
royalty a tall hat. Nevertheless, they esteem themselves rich because they are 
contented with little. 
