CHAPTER IV.

Negro kingdoms of Africa.

Benin:  Its Location.—­Its Discovery by the Portuguese.—­Introduction of the Catholic Religion.—­The King as a Missionary.—­His Fidelity to the Church purchased by a White Wife.—­Decline of Religion.—­Introduction of Slavery.—­Suppression of the Trade by the English Government.—­Restoration and Peace.

Dahomey:  Its Location.—­Origin of the Kingdom.—­Meaning of the Name.—­War.—­Capture of the English Governor, and his Death.—­The Military Establishment.—­Women as Soldiers.—­Wars and their Objects.—­Human Sacrifices.—­The King a Despot.—­His Powers.—­His Wives.—­Polygamy.—­Kingly Succession.—­Coronation.—­Civil and Criminal Law.—­Revenue System.—­Its Future.

Yoruba.  Its Location.—­Slavery and its Abolition—­Growth of the People of Abeokuta.—­Missionaries and Teachers from Sierra Leone.—­Prosperity and Peace attend the People.—­Capacity of the People for Civilization.—­Bishop Crowther.—­His Influence. 26

CHAPTER V.

The Ashantee empire.

Its Location and Extent.—­Its Famous Kings.—­The Origin of the Ashantees Obscure.—­The War with Denkera.—­The Ashantees against the Field conquer two Kingdoms, and annex them.—­Death of Osai Tutu.—­The Envy of the King of Dahomey.—­Invasion of the Ashantee Country by the King of Dahomey.—­His Defeat shared by his Allies.—­Akwasi pursues the Army of Dahomey into its own Country.—­Gets a Mortal Wound and suffers a Humiliating Defeat,—­The King of Dahomey sends the Royal Kudjoh his Congratulations.—­Kwamina deposed for attempting to introduce Mohammedanism into the Kingdom.—­The Ashantees conquer the Mohammedans.—­Numerous Wars.—­Invasion of the Fanti Country.—­Death of Sir Charles McCarthy.—­Treaty.—­Peace. 34

CHAPTER VI.

The negro type.

     Climate the Cause.—­His Geographical Theatre.—­He is
     susceptible to Christianity and Civilization. 45

CHAPTER VII.

African idiosyncrasies.

     Patriarchal Government.—­Construction of Villages.—­Negro
     Architecture.—­Election of Kings.—­Coronation
     Ceremony.—­Succession.—­African Queens.—­Law, Civil and
     Criminal.—­Priests.—­Their
     Functions.—­Marriage
.—­Warfare.—­Agriculture.—­Mechanic
     Arts.—­Blacksmiths. 50

CHAPTER VIII.

Languages, literature, and religion.

     Structure of African Languages.—­The Mpongwe, Mandingo, and
     Grebo.—­Poetry:  Epic, Idyllic, and Miscellaneous.—­Religions
     and Superstitions. 66