AFRICAN EXPLORERS OF TEE NINETEENTH CENTURY. 155 
innumerable drums and metal instruments, and then 
yielded for a while to the soft, harmonious breathings 
of their long flutes, with which a pleasing instrument, 
like a bagpipe without the drone, was happily blended. 
At least a hundred large umbrellas or canopies, which 
could shelter thirty persons, were sprung up and down 
A An Asliantee musical instrument. C Minister’s state bag. 
B Cushion. D Stool. 
by the bearers with brilliant effect, being made of scarlet, 
yellow, and the most showy cloths and silks, and crowned 
on the top with crescents, pelicans, elephants, barrels, 
and arms and swords of gold. 
“ The king’s messengers, with gold breastplates, made 
way for us, and we commenced our round, preceded by 
