SIERRA LEONE, the name of a British settlement on the west coast of Africa. It derives its name from the river called the Mitomba, or Sierra Leone, which traverses it, hut the origin of which has not been ex plored. The territory of Sierra Leone lies both on the north and south side of the river. The country on the north is low and flat, but that on the south speedily rises into a long mountainous ridge, which, from being the residence of lions, gave the name of Sierra Leone to the river. From this ridge descend many mountain streams, which unite in the Bay of France, a large basin, which is the best watering place in the whole coast of Guinea, and which is described as a most delightful and picturesque spot.
The general aspect of this country is that of an impenetrable forest, a few small portions of which only have been cleared and cultivated. Rice is raised on those grounds which are capable of irrigation, and forms the food of the rich, while millet, yams, and plantains, are raised by the poor. The principal fruits are pine apples. oranges, lemons, limes, &c. and a fruit like the melon. A wholesome liquor is obtained from the palm tree.
The woods and mountainous regions abound with animals, particularly lions; apes occur in great quan tities. Serpents are particularly numerous; and the river abounds with large alligators, and contains a species called the monatea, or sea cow. Among the articles of trade here, may be enumerated elephants' teeth, which are remarkable for their size and perfec tion. A considerable quantity of civet is likewise brought to market here.
The colony of Sierra Leone consists of sixteen small towns or villages, the population of which, in 1318, was 9565, whereas in 1820, it had risen to 12.509, and in 1825, it was estimated at 13,000. The follow ing is a list of the towns and villages, with their population, according to the census of 1820.
The different nations to whom this population be longs may be arranged as follows: The principal town of this colony is Freetown. The next town in importance is Regent's Town, established in 1813. When this town was visited in 1316 by Mr. Johnson, the missionary- teacher, he found it occupied by 1100 captured negroes from 22 different nations. The most deadly enmities prevailed among them. Some lived in the woods, subsisting by
plunder, and in stealing fowls, which they ate raw. When clothes were given them, they either threw them away or sold them. Destitute of the idea even that marriage was a tie, they were addicted to the most shameful debaucheries, and, crowded together in their miserable huts, they contracted various dis eases, of which several died every day; and, in the first years of the colony, there were only six births among these 1100 individuals. A deplorable super stition prevailed among them. They erected numer ous chapels in honour of the evil spirit. Nothing could induce them to cultivate the fields, and the few that did exercise that species of industry, had their crops destroyed by their neighbours. By the exer tions of Mr. Johnson, and a few intelligent negrocs, the most remarkable improvements were effected.
The negroes were at length civilized; they now lead a quiet and laborious life. They frequent divine ser vice. Several of them partake of the sacrament, and many of them lead a truly Christian life. By their industry, Regent's Town has been laid out with great regularity. Nineteen new streets have been formed, and good roads made in its vicinity. Among its buildings there is already a good church imiltof stone; a government house, a house for the clergyman, a bridge of several arches, school-houses and ware houses, and many of the houses of the natives are built of good stone. All of the people are farmers. Every house has an enclosed garden attached to it. The land in the vicinity is cleared and under cultiva tion, and in some places even to the distance of three miles. Vegetables, and all the finest fruits of the torrid zone, are raised in abundance, and of domestic animals there is an ample supply. Many of the ne groes, at the same time, carry on trades. In 1813 there were 50 masons and bricklayers, 40 carpenters, SO sawyers, SO shingle makers, 20 tailors, 4 black smiths, and 2 butchers. In that way upwards of 600 negroes provided for their own maintenance. The females have learned to make their own clothes. In 1318 about 400 couple had been married. About 1900 attend divine service; and the schools, which began with 140 children and 60 adults, now contain above 500 scholars.