permit their wives to partake of all public diversions, and this
indulgence is seldom abused, for though the negro women are very
cheerful and frank in their behaviour, they are by no means given to
intrigue--I believe that instances of conjugal infidelity are not
common. When the wives quarrel among themselves--a circumstance
which, from the nature of their situation, must frequently happen--
the husband decides between them, and sometimes finds it necessary
to administer a little corporal chastisement before tranquillity can
be restored. But if any one of the ladies complains to the chief of
the town that her husband has unjustly punished her, and shown an
undue partiality to some other of his wives, the affair is brought
to a public trial. In these palavers, however, which are conducted
chiefly by married men, I was informed that the complaint of the
wife is not always considered in a very serious light, and the
complainant herself is sometimes convicted of strife and contention
and left without remedy. If she murmurs at the decision of the
court the magic rod of Mumbo Jumbo soon puts an end to the business.

The children of the Mandingoes are not always named after their
relations, but frequently in consequence of some remarkable
occurrence. Thus my landlord at Kamalia was called Karfa, a word
signifying to replace, because he was born shortly after the death
of one of his brothers. Other names are descriptive of good or bad
qualities--as Modi, a good man; Fadibba, father of the town, etc
Indeed, the very names of their towns have something descriptive in
them, as Sibidooloo, the town of ciboa-trees; Kenneyeto, victuals
here; Dosita, lift your spoon. Others appear to be given by way of
reproach--as Bammakoo, wash a crocodile; Karrankalla, no cup to
drink from, etc. A child is named when it is seven or eight days
old. The ceremony commences by shaving the infant's head; and a