the most violent, and
that they even come on at the time that the moon sets. The influence
of the moon on the weather In other countries is doubted, but this is
an extraordinary fact, relating to the tornadoes, which has been
proved by experience.

On Saturday December 25th, after a pleasing passage, Richard Lander,
in company with Mr. Becroft, anchored off Ephraim Town, in the
Calebar River. The distance from Fernando Po to the north of the
Calebar River, is about sixty miles, and Ephraim Town is distant
about fifty miles, on the eastern bank. On their way up the river,
the attention of Richard Lander was attracted by something of a very
extraordinary appearance, hanging over the water from the branch of a
tree. His curiosity was excited by it, and he was at a loss to
conjecture what it was. He did not remain long in suspense, for they
soon passed sufficiently near it to enable him to discover, that it
was the body of one of the natives suspended by the middle, with the
feet and hands just touching the water. So barbarous a sight quickly
reminded him, that he was again amongst the poor deluded wretches on
the coast, although he had not seen any thing so bad on his way down
to the Brig Thomas, in the River Nun. The natives of this place are
Pagans, in the most depraved condition, and know nothing of
Mahommedanism, nor any other creed. They believe in a good spirit,
who they imagine dwells in the water, and sacrifices of human beings,
such as that which has just been mentioned, are frequently made to
him, with the idea of gaining his favour and protection. The object
selected for this purpose is generally some unfortunate old slave,
who may be worn out and incapable of further service, or unfit for
the market, and he is there left to suffer death, either from the
effects of the sun, or from the fangs of some hungry alligator or
shark, which may chance to find the body. The circumstance of the
hands and feet being just allowed to be immersed in the water, is
considered by these deluded people as necessary, and they are thereby
rendered an easier prey.

It is usual with ships on their first arrival in the river, to be
visited by Duke Ephraim, the chief of the town; a personage who is
well known to the numerous Liverpool traders, that frequent the
river. The reason of this visit is, that the duke may receive his
present, which consists generally of cloth, muskets, rum, or any
articles of that description, and he always