itional proofs of the return of confidence
on the part of the natives: a man and a boy insisted on remaining on
board to sleep, probably induced by the anticipation of a present.
There never were more harmless, inoffensive, or tractable people: for,
when most troublesome, they may be led in any direction you choose, by
taking hold of the hand, or even of a finger.

----------
[26] Accra is a European corruption of the word Inkran which
means an ant.

[27] The word Fetish is derived, I believe, from the Portuguese word
Fatisa, or Phatisa, which means "a charm." It is used on all occasions
by the natives, when they are asked any question which they do not
understand, or which they do not wish to understand, particularly if it
relate to their religion. Thus the sacrifice, the rocks, and the sacred
groves where they imagine their deities dwell, are all called Fetish:
also, their priests, or priestesses, when they are going through any
antic ceremonies, are said to be making Fetish, and are consequently
called Fetish men or Fetish women. Some have regarded the Fetish as an
object of worship to the natives of Africa; it ought, however, more
properly to be considered only as a _charm_, to which a superstitious
and reverential feeling is paid; in which an implicit confidence is
reposed. Whether it be intended to exercise a public or a private
function, it consists of some body, either animate or inanimate,
selected according to fancy, as a dog, cat, tiger, snake, an egg, the
bone of a bird, a piece of wood, a feather, or any other substance:
this is rendered sacred or endowed with its supposed virtues by
peculiar ceremonies, and afterwards honoured with a species of worship,
vows of abstinence from particular or occasional pleasures, and other
services; in return, the party to which it belongs looks up to it for
protection and assistance on all occasions--if successful, he
attributes it to its intervention; if unlucky, to its displeasure.

[28] In my opinion, no man under thirty years of age, should think of
travelling in an unhealthy country; before that age, the constitution
is more liable to the infection of the endemic diseases of a hot
climate than afterwards. Perhaps, between forty and fifty would be the
best age--"ceteris paribus."

[29] The following extract from the letter-book of the late African
Company, throws considerable light upon this subject:

'Cape Coast Castle, 30th January, 1783.

'Captain Lawson