278 HISTORY OF THE [book iv. 
of an household of the family, next sacrifices a 
cock, or other animal, in like manner, and as soon 
as all those who are able to bring sacrifices have 
made their oblations, the animals which have been 
killed, are dressed, and a great festival follows. 
Among their other superstitions also, must not 
be omitted their mode of administering an oath of 
secrecy or purgation.—Human blood, and earth 
taken from the grave of some near relation, are 
mixed with water, and given to the party to be 
sworn, who is compelled to drink the mixture, 
with an imprecation, that it may cause the belly 
to burst, and the bones to rot, if the truth be not 
spoken. This test is frequently administered to 
their wives, on the suspicion of infidelity, and the 
resemblance which it bears to the trial ot jealousy 
by the bitter water described in the book of Num¬ 
bers (chap, v.) is a curious and striking circum¬ 
stance. 
I now proceed to the people of Whidah, or Fida. 
The negroes of this country are called generally in 
the West Indies Papaws, and are unquestionably the 
most docile and best-disposed slaves that are im¬ 
ported from any part of Africa. Without the fierce 
and savage manners of the Koromantyn negroes, 
they are also happily exempt from the timid and 
desponding temper of the Eboes, who will pre¬ 
sently be mentioned. The cheerful acquiescence 
with which these people apply to the labours of 
the field, and their constitutional aptitude for such 
