University of Virginia Library

“Looking forwards, I saw with infinite pleasure the great object of my mission, the long-sought for majestic Niger, glittering to the morning Sun, as broad as the Thames at Westminster, and flowing slowly to the eastward. I hastened to the brink, and having drunk of the water, lifted up my fervent thanks in prayer to the Great Ruler of all things, for having thus far crowned my endeavours with success.” Park's Travels, page 194.

“The burning the grass in Manding, exhibits a scene of terrific grandeur. In the middle of the night I could see the plains and mountains, as far as my eye could reach, variegated with lines of fire; and the light reflected on the sky, made the Heavens appear in a blaze. In the day-time pillars of smoke were seen in every direction; while the birds of prey were observed hovering round the conflagration, and pouring down upon the snakes, lizards, and other reptiles, which attempted to escape from the flames. This annual burning is soon followed by a fresh and sweet verdure, and the country is thereby rendered more healthful and pleasant.” Park's Travels, page 229.

Alluding to the beautiful Negro Song, written by the late Duchess of Devonshire.

“From this village, Major Houghton, (being deserted by his Negro servants, who refused to follow him into the Moorish country,) wrote his last letter with a pencil to Dr. Laidley. This brave, but unfortunate man, having surmounted many difficulties, had taken a northerly direction, and endeavoured to pass through the kingdom of Ludamar, where I afterwards learned the following particulars concerning his melancholy fate. On his arrival at Jarra, he got acquainted with certain

Moorish Merchants, who were travelling to Tisheet, a place near the salt-pits in the great desert, to purchase salt; and the Major, at the expense of a musket and some tobacco, engaged them to convey him thither. Their intention, probably, was to rob and leave him in the desert. At the end of two days he suspected their treachery, and insisted on returning to Jarra. Finding him persist in this determination, the Moors robbed him of every thing he possessed, and went off with their camels; the poor Major, being thus deserted, returned on foot to a watering-place, in possession of the Moors, called Tarra. He had been some days without food, and the unfeeling Moors refusing to give him any, he sunk at last under his distresses. Whether he actually perished of hunger, or was murdered by the savage Mahomedans, is not certainly known; his body was dragged into the woods, and I was shown, at a distance, the spot where his remains were left to perish.” Park's Travels, page 103.