BONDOU, a kingdom in Africa, situated in W. Long. 11° 50', N. Lat. 13° 53', betwixt the Gambia and Senegal rivers; and bounded on the east, by Bambouk ; on the south-east and south, by Tenda, and the Simbani wilderness ; on the south-west, Woolli ; on the west, by Foota Torra ; and on the north, by Kajaaga. The name of its capital is Fatte Conda. The country is woody, and elevated ; but in fertility it is believed to be equal to any part of Africa. In the month of December the banks of Faleme, the chief river, are covered with large and beautiful fields of corn, called by the natives mania; and by botanical writers, from the depending posi tion of the ear, holcus cernuus.
The inhabitants are of the tribe of the Foulahs, of a yellow complexion, with small features, and soft silky hair. They are naturally mild, and gentle in their dispositions; but they consider all the negro natives as their inferiors ; and, when speaking of dif ferent nations, always rank themselves among the white people.
Their religion is Mahometan, and they a sacred regard to the laws and authoiity of the pro phet. Religious persecution is, however, unknown among them; for no molestation is given to those who chuse to retain their ancient superstitions. In the different towns schools are established, in which the Pagan as well as the Mahometan children are taught to read the Koran, on the principles of which, their character and manner are invariably formed. From the nature of their religion, they are less hospitable to strangers, and more reserved in their manners, than their Pagan neighbours. With the Mahometan faith the Arabic language has of course been introduced: their native tongue abounds in liquids,• but their ar ticulation is uncouth.
In the occupations of pasturage and agriculture, their industry is remarkable ; and it has not only se cured to them all the necessaries of life, in the greatest abundance, but also, • comparatively speaking, raised them to a high degree of opulence. In the manage, went of their cattle they are extremely skilful, and, by kindness and familiarity, have made them very gentle and tractable. When night approaches, they
collect them from the woods, and secure them in folds; and in the middle of each fold a small hut is •erected, in which some herdsmen keep watch during the night, to prevent the cattle from being stolen, and to keep alive the fires which arc kindled round the huts, to secure them from the attack of wild beasts. The milk of their cows is of an excellent quality ; and is used, but not till it be quite sour, as the chief article of diet. The rich cream affords them great quantities of butter, which, when melted and freed from its impurity, is preserved in earthen pots, for the purpose of seasoning their dishes, and anoint ing their bodies. They are, however, unacquainted with the art of making cheese ; partly from their rooted prejudice against every new invention, and partly, from their mistaken belief that the advantage would not sufficiently compensate for a process, which appears to them so tedious and troublesome. They possess also some excellent horses, which appear to be a mixed breed of the Arabian with the original African.
On the ri?er Faleme, whose current is rapid, and its banks rocky, the natives are much employed in fishing ; and they catch the large fish in the follow ing manner : They build walls of stone across the stream, open places being left through which the water rushes with great force. Below these open ings they place baskets, more than twenty feet in length, made of split cane; and when once the fish have entered them, the force of the stream prevents them from returning. The small fish, which are about the size of sprats, are taken in great numbers in hand nets, which the natives weave of cotton, and use with great dexterity. These are prepared for sale by being pounded entire, the moment they are catched, in a wooden mortar ; and then are exposed to dry in the sun in large lumps, like sugar loaves. Their smell is very disagreeable ; nevertheless they are esteemed a great luxury, and bring a considerable pro fit in the Moorish countries, to the north of the Se negal, where fish is little known.