ebb, the sum total of learning being the Koran, which the children are taught by rote, and a little Arabic writing. The natives in general are good linguists, being conversant with the Arabic, Haussa, and Tuaric languages, in addition to their own dialect, which is the Berber. Some also speak the Timbuctoo and Bornou languages. The women also boast of a superior education to that of their sex in general, being able to read and write a little, in addition to other domestic avocations. The natives reckon themselves Marabouts, or saints; yet, in former times, they were divided into two factionsthe Beni-Wazeet and Beni-Ouleed-and continually retaliated upon each other their feuds. Even at this day each party occupies a separate quarter, and has little intercourse with the other. Such is the reverence for the Prophet and the excellence of his name at Ghadamis, that three-fourths of the natives are called Mohammed; and I know six brothers who are called after that name, being designated as the senior, junior, second, third, &c., Mohammed.

The population of Ghadamis Proper is essentially commercial; those of Derge and Seenawan are devoted to agriculture. Owing to the constant drought, the oasis of Ghadamis is entirely dependent upon the Jebel mountains, Derge, and Seenawan for its supplies. The gardens grow dates (of a superior quality), barley, wheat, and millet, besides melons, onions, &c., but the quantity produced is inadequate to the requirements of the population. The different kinds. of seed are sown in the following rotation-wheat and barley in October, and are reaped in April; next follow millet and lucerne, and vegetables, which last till autumn. The soil seldom remains fallow, but is manured regularly in October. The manure is procured from the city sewers. The corn of the Sahara is superior to that raised on the coast, being more farinaceous. The average yield of a datetree at Ghadamis is one camel-load (4 cwts.). The water with which the gardens are irrigated is supplied from the central hot-spring by means of three ducts. The quantity is measured out on the principle of an hour-glass-thus a small bucket, called a kadoos, is attached to a small aperture in the wall forming the basin of the spring, through which the water drops into the bucket; and this takes 42 minutes in being filled. A man watches the bucket day and night, and marks each time it is filled, the water meanwhile flowing through the ducts into the gardens. The whole quantity of this water is valued at one quarter of a million of mahboobs (40,0007.), and portions cf it are bought, sold, and inherited like any other property. There are, in addition to the hot-spring, a few wells of fresh water, but, being brackish, it is not used.

The fall rain is very precarious, occurring but once every four years. Such, however, are the fertilising properties of the soil in the neighborhood of Ghadamis, that one copious shower in autumn is sufficient to ensure a crop of corn, which yields an average of twenty fold; while, on the other hand, a rich pasture is to be found. Truffles of an enormous size, some weighing 6 lbs., are also produced, particularly when the autumn rain is accompanied with hail. The truffle is cut into shreds, dried in the sun, and thus preserved

for a twelvemonth. The juice of the fresh truffle is also deemed by the natives a sovereign remedy for ophthalmia. Snow has sometimes, yet rarely, been seen in this part of the Sahara. In January, 1821, a fall occurred, and proved fatal to a slave-caravan coming to Ghadamis from Ghat, the snow having lain a whole night on the ground, about half a foot deep.

The climate of Ghadamis is dry and healthy, but oppressively hot in summer. There is no prevailing disease, nor have plague and cholera ever been known; a remarkable circumstance, that the plague, which is known to have ranged ten different times on the coast during the last two centuries, never extended to the interior beyond Sockna, Mizda, and the Jebel mountains.

By a meteorological table kept during four successive years, beginning from 1850, the thermometer has an annual range of about 740, falling in January to 35°, and rising in July to 109° (Fahrenheit). The prevailing winds are the easterly and south-westerly; and during the equinoxes, especially the autumnal, the latter wind blows with uncommon violence, filling the atmosphere with almost impalpable particles of sand.

The revenue of Ghadamis is estimated at 10,000 mahboobs (17007.), and is derived from the following sources:—

1o. The annual tribute, amounting to 6150 mahboobs, levied partly upon real property and partly upon the personal property of every merchant, according to a conjectural valuation.

2o. The custom-dues, consisting of 9 per cent. import, and 4 per cent. export duty.

3°. A toll of 10 paras (d.) on every camel-load of merchandise arising at Ghadamis.

4°. A tax of 5 per cent. upon the proceeds of every camel sold in the place.

The two last taxes are appropriated by the local Governor. There are a few native manufactures, but all of a very inferior kind. These are woollen blankets, bernousses, shoes, &c.

The commerce of Ghadamis is carried on principally with Ghat, Kano, Timbuctoo, Tuat, and other parts of the interior of Africa, and with Tripoli. The exports from the interior consist of ivory, bees-wax, bullock-hides, goat-skins dyed red and yellow, ostrichfeathers, gold in lumps and dust, goroo-beans, gum-bekhoor used as incense, cotton shirts, &c. On the other hand, caravans convey from Tripoli to the interior cotton cloths and long cloths, Tangibs, all of British manufacture; red-dyed raw silk, beads, from Venice; woollen cloths, red caps, from Tunis; paper, sugar, zinc, copper, sword-blades, mirrors, and small needles, from Germany; gum benzoin, cloves, otto of roses, &c.

The burden of a camel is usually 3 cantars (4 cwt.) The current medium of exchange of Ghadamis is the Tunisian piastre, equal to 6d. sterling. Gold is sold by the mithkal, equal to 69 grains (troy weight). About 12,000 mithkals are annually imported to Ghadamis, valued at 60007.

The following is the average rate of carriage per load in Tunisian piastres, and the average duration of the march of caravans, exclusive of stoppages, from Ghadamis to

The caravans from Souf carry dates and woollen blankets, both of a superior quality.

In connexion with the commerce of Ghadamis, I must not omit mentioning the slave-trade, which was there actively carried on in former years. During my residence at Ghadamis the average number imported during the year was 500, principally females. The average price of a male was 60 mahboobs (107.); that of a female 80 mahboobs (147.) Of the number exported to the Levant twothirds generally perished from pulmonary affections, caused no doubt by the hardships of desert travelling, as well as by the change of climate.

I am happy to state, in conclusion, that a decree from his Imperial Majesty Sultan Abd-ul-Mejid abolishes forever this nefarious traffic. The new law was promulgated in the pashalic of Tripoli in 1856, and although it met with considerable opposition from the natives at first, it is now, I believe, faithfully observed.

From the N. Y. Observer, Oct 1861.

EDUCATION IN AFRICA.

Amid the agitations of the day, of many of which Africa is more or less remotely the occasion, it is gratifying to know that the Americo-African Republic of Liberia is moving onward in a career of prosperity and enlarging the sphere of its influence. The extent of its influence is little known in this country. Hon. Mr. Johnson, merchant, of Monrovia, a colored man, and extensively acquainted with the natives, estimates the number obedient to the laws of Liberia at 800,000, and the colonists at 14,000. President Benson estimates the number of recaptured slaves landed in Liberia, last year and part of the present, at about 4,800. Gerard Ralston, Esq., of England, says: "The Government of Liberia are sending many (recaptives) to the missionary establishments, which abound in the republie; and placing the others in industrial, farming establishments, scattered over the country, under the charge of officers and teachers, where these young people will be taught English, Christianity, and generally be brought up in such a manner as to insure the greatest devolopment of their physical and moral faculties." Bishop Payne, of Cape Palmas, says of the colonists: "When I consider their influence already in suppressing the slave trade all along the Liberian

coast; in developing the lawful trade or Africa: in introducing Christian Government into a land of anarchy; and furnishing materials for catechists, and teachers, and ministers, to evangelize the heathen-I have believed more and more that this colonization is of God, and will, therefore, prosper more and more." President Benson, in his last message, says that the exportable articles raised in Liberia last year were two hundred per cent. more than those of the preceding year, showing the progressive industry of that people.

In view of the wants and claims of the cause, the New York Colonization Society are making an effort to raise funds especially for educational purposes, and have recently issued the following circular:

NEW YORK COLONIZATION SOCIETY.

The large number of natives now under the jurisdiction of Liberia and in the progress of civilization; the recaptured slaves landed in that republic during the past year, to the number of four thousand; the favorable testimony of missionaries and travelers respecting the health, soil, and productions of Africa; and the recent manifestation of favor toward the African colonization movement shown by the people of color in our State and elsewhere-are strong arguments in behalf of our benevolent work. Special aid is needed to promote education among the increasing thousands of Liberia. For this purpose our Education Fund, of $100,000, is in progress of being raised. Of this Fund, about $85,000 are already contributed. In view of these things, we ask the continued and increased aid of our fellow-citizens. And we hope that our Assistant Secretary, Rev. H. Connelly, may have abundant success in his labors, and a kind reception among our friends.

Francis Hall, Esq., Editor Commercial Advertiser, New York. A Merwin, Financial Agent American Bible Society, N. Y. Joseph P. Collins, President of the United States Insurance Company, New York.

Rev. S. D. Denison, Secretary and General Agent of the Committee of Foreign Missions of the Protestant Episcopal Church, New York.

William Tracy, Esq., New York.

L. B. Ward, Esq., New York.

Hon. D. S. Gregory, ex-Congressman, Jersey City, N. J.

Caleb Swan, Esq., Treasurer N. Y. State Col. Soc., New York. S. A. Schieffelin, Esq., New York.

Rev. Thomas De Witt, D D., New York.

W. B. Wedgewood, Esq. Prof of Law in the University of the City of New York.

Isaac T. Smith, Secretary of Savings Bank, Seventh Street and Third ave., New York.

October 20, 1861.

[From the Spirit of Missions, Nov. and Dec., 1861.]

MISSIONARY REPORT OF BISHOP PAYNE.

Report from the African Mission to the Board of Missions of the Protestant Episcopal Church, United States of America, assembled October, 1861.

My last report, which I regret, arrived too late to be presented, informed you of my safe arrival at Cape Palmas, July 1st, and of my previous visits to Cape Mount, Monrovia, Bassa Cove, and Sinoe, confirming at these several places forty-three persons.

CAVALLA STATION.

In the year which has passed since my arrival, this station has received, as was necessary, my chief attention. Left without clerical assistance, though in feeble health, I have, through divine aid, preached or lectured, on an average, five times a week, beside giving instruction every day, except as occupied in public services, to about sixty boarding-scholars.

These labors, together with the constant supervision which I have been enabled to extend to the station, have been blessed of God. Nearly all the lapsed, in schools and the Christian village, have been restored to communion, while seventeen have been confirmed, and thirteen added to the list of communicants.

It is not my privilege, however, to report the same success among native Christians scattered through heathen towns and villages. Most of the men among these have gradually given up their profession, or rather ceased to walk as Christians.

It is important to observe that this apparently retrogade movement has always succeeded the first success of the Gospel. It was manifestly so in the Apostles' time; and the careful observer of the history of modern missions will remark the same development in almost every field of labor. The reports of the Church Missionary Society and of the Basle Missionary Society, of late, give accounts not only of the falling away of individuals, but of Christian churches and villages.

Nor is it difficult for the experienced missionary to assign the causes for this condition of things.

1st. There follows always, where the Gospel is preached, an intellectual conviction of its truth pervading the community. Former reports have narrated truly how such a conviction has possessed the native communities about us. This, of course, causes a general movement toward Christianity. But without the regenerating and strengthening influences of the Holy Spirit, such intellectual conviction does not enable men to make the sacrifices required by the Gospel. Hence, when these sacrifices are fully met, such apparent converts fail away.

2d. In modern times, the missionary appears before the heathen as a superior being. In comparison with the poor prodigals whom he would reclaim, he has riches, "bread enough, and to spare.' This is well. It is God's substitute for miracles, convincing the heathen, beyond all question, that he is with those whom he so abundantly blesses in worldly things. But, with this advantage, as in all, comes the accompanying temptation-the evil. The disciple encounters the difficulties of the Master. He came to seek and to save that which was lost." But, as "Immanuel, ""God in the flesh," man's brother, he could but "take our infirmities" of body, as well as soul, upon him. Accordingly he "healed the sick, made the blind to see, fed the hung y, and in consequence, multitudes followed him, "because they did eat of the loaves, and were filled." So the missionary, like Him who sends, is fain to go about doing good to the bodies as well as the souls of men And because the Gentiles ever seek most earnestly, entirely, "what they shall eat, drink, and put on," they at first follow the missionary, and often profess to receive his doctrine, hoping to receive somewhat to supply their bodily wants. He may declare as