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The book is a travelogue that describes the author's journey through West Africa, specifically through the regions of Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the Gold Coast. The author discusses the history, culture, and geography of the regions, including the mix of cultures and identities of the Sá Leonite people, the establishment of the American colony of Liberia, and the role of the native Vái people. The author also visits various locations, including Axim, Grand Bassá, Cape Palmas, and the Gold Coast, where they observe the local scenery, people, and culture. The author notes the challenges of traveling in the region, including the lack of accurate charts, the presence of hidden rocks and shoals, and the hostility of some local populations. Despite these challenges, the author is optimistic about the potential for gold mining in the region and believes that it could bring significant economic benefits to the local population. The author also reflects on the importance of careful planning and management to ensure successful extraction of gold and the need for education and practical skills to improve the lives of the local people. The book concludes with the author's return to Axim and departure for Europe, marking the end of the journey. Throughout the book, the author provides a detailed and insightful account of the regions, peoples, and cultures of West Africa, offering a unique perspective on the history, geography, and economics of the region.
The chapter discusses the Sá Leonite, a term used to describe the inhabitants of Sierra Leone, both at home and abroad. It describes their history, from the founding of the colony by philanthropists to the introduction of liberated slaves, and how this has led to a mix of cultures and identities. The chapter also touches on the theme of civilization and how it has been imposed upon the Sá Leonite, often with negative consequences. The author argues that the Sá Leonite has been demoralized by the over-tenderness of the British Government and the philanthropists, leading to a lack of industry and self-respect. The chapter concludes by suggesting that the Sá Leonite needs to be educated in a more practical way, with an emphasis on handicrafts and agriculture, in order to become a more prosperous and self-sufficient people.
The chapter describes the author's journey from Sá Leone to Cape Palmas, a region in West Africa. The author passes by various locations, including Sherbro, Gallinas River, and Cape Mount, and observes the local scenery, people, and culture. The author also visits Grand Bassá, a town with a mix of African and American influences, and meets with local citizens, including a lawyer and an attorney. The author notes the challenges of traveling in the region, including the lack of accurate charts and the presence of hidden rocks and shoals. The chapter also touches on the history of the region, including the establishment of the American colony of Liberia and the role of the native Vái people. The author arrives at Cape Palmas, which marks the turning point from the Windward coast to the Leeward coast, and describes the local scenery and the people's way of life. The author also visits the settlement of Harper and meets with Bishop C. C. Pinnock, who discusses the local mission and the challenges of learning native languages. The chapter ends with the author's reflection on the region's history, culture, and natural beauty.
The chapter describes the author's journey from Cape Palmas to Axim, a region in West Africa. The author passes by various locations, including Grand Bassá, a town with a mix of African and American influences, and meets with local citizens, including a lawyer and an attorney. The author notes the challenges of traveling in the region, including the lack of accurate charts and the presence of hidden rocks and shoals. The chapter also touches on the history of the region, including the establishment of the American colony of Liberia and the role of the native Vái people. The author arrives at Axim, which marks the beginning of the Gold Coast, and describes the local scenery and the people's way of life. The author also visits the settlement of Harper and meets with Bishop C. C. Pinnock, who discusses the local mission and the challenges of learning native languages.
The chapter describes Axim, a town on the Gold Coast of West Africa, as a place with a rich history and a promising future. The town has a picturesque appearance, with a castle, a subject town, and a grand forest in the background. The author notes that Axim has a healthy climate, with average daily temperatures ranging from 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The town is also home to a diverse population, including Fantis, Apollonians, and Moslems. The author visits the Axim fort, which was built by the Portuguese in the 15th century and later occupied by the Dutch. The fort is now in a state of disrepair, but it still has a certain charm. The author also meets with King Blay, the ruler of Western Apollonia, who is a wise and just leader. The king's suite includes swordbearers, a band, and small boys who are trained to be spies. The author is impressed by the king's intelligence and kindness, and he is grateful for the opportunity to visit Axim.
The chapter describes the author's journey to the Apatim or Bujiá concession, a mining area near Axim, where they observe the local scenery, people, and culture. They visit the Axim Reef, a place where women gather gold, and note the presence of quartz reefs and gold deposits. The author also meets with local chiefs, including King Blay, and discusses the potential for gold mining in the area. The chapter also touches on the history of the region, including the establishment of the American colony of Liberia and the role of the native Vái people.
The chapter describes the author's return journey from Axim, visiting King Blay and the villages of Atábo and Béin. The author discusses the geography and geology of the area, including the Ancobra River and the gold mines. The author also describes the local culture and customs, including the use of gold dust as currency and the importance of "fetish" practices. The chapter concludes with the author's reflections on the potential for gold mining in the region and the need for careful planning and management to ensure successful extraction.
The chapter describes the author's visit to the Izrah mine, which is located near the village of Arábokasu. The author and his companion, Cameron, spend several days exploring the mine and its surroundings, and they are impressed by the richness of the gold deposits. They also visit the Inyoko concession, which is located nearby, and find that it has a similar geology to the Izrah mine. The author notes that the Inyoko concession has been worked by natives in the past, but it has been largely abandoned in recent years. The author and Cameron also visit the village of Kikam, where they are met with hostility by the locals, who are suspicious of their intentions. The author reflects on the difficulties of traveling in Africa, including the lack of infrastructure and the hostility of some local populations. Despite these challenges, the author is optimistic about the potential for gold mining in the region and believes that it could bring significant economic benefits to the local population. The chapter also includes a discussion of the geology of the region, including the types of rocks and minerals that are found there, and the author notes that the area is rich in gold and other precious metals.
The chapter describes the author's journey to Prince's River and back, where they inspected mining lands and collected botanical specimens. They traveled by surf-boat and encountered various obstacles, including a foul and fetid thicket and a narrow stream with rocky reefs. The author notes the abundance of insect life, including tree-snakes, ants, and wasps, and the variety of vegetation, including palms, ferns, and orchids. They also describe the local people's way of life, including their fishing practices and their use of canoes. The author reflects on the difficulties of traveling in Africa and the importance of careful planning and management to ensure successful gold mining operations.
The chapter describes the author's journey from Axim to Ingotro and Akankon, where they inspected mining lands and concessions. The author traveled by steam-launch and encountered various obstacles, including a breakdown of the launch and a treacherous landing place. They met with local chiefs and headmen, including Chief Apó and Safahin Sensensé, and discussed the potential for gold mining in the area. The author visited the Ingotro concession, which they described as exceptionally rich in gold, and noted the facilities for "hydraulicking" and extracting the metal. They also visited the Akankon mine, which they believed had great potential but was being poorly managed. The author reflected on the difficulties of working in Africa, including the climate, the local population, and the need for careful planning and management to ensure successful extraction of gold.
The chapter describes the author's journey to Tumento, a small village on the Ancobra River, which is referred to as the "Great Central Depôt". The author and his companion, Cameron, fall ill with fever and are forced to return to Axim, where they recover. The author then travels to Effuenta, a mining town, and meets with Mr. MacLennan, the manager of the Effuenta mine. The author inspects the mine and is impressed by its potential, but notes that it is still in the early stages of development. The chapter also describes the author's visit to the Insimankáo concession, where he meets with Mr. Dawson and discusses the potential for gold mining in the area. The author reflects on the challenges of traveling in Africa, including the lack of accurate charts and the presence of hidden rocks and shoals.
The chapter describes the author's journey to Insimankáo and the Butabué Rapids, where they observe the local scenery, people, and culture. The author visits the Insimankáo concession, a mining area, and notes the geological features of the area, including the presence of quartz reefs and gold deposits. They also meet with local chiefs and discuss the potential for gold mining in the area. The author reflects on the challenges of traveling in the region, including the lack of accurate charts and the presence of hidden rocks and shoals. The chapter also touches on the history of the region, including the establishment of the American colony of Liberia and the role of the native Vái people.
The chapter describes the author's journey to Effuenta, Crockerville, and the Aji Bipa Hill, where they inspect mining lands and concessions. The author visits the Effuenta mine, which is owned by Mr. Crocker, and is impressed by the richness of the gold deposits. They also visit the Crockerville establishment, which is owned by Mr. F. F. Crocker, and note the differences in the mining systems used at the two establishments. The author then proceeds to the Aji Bipa Hill, where they inspect the mining concession and note the geological features of the area. They also visit the village of Abosu, which is a major center for gold mining, and describe the bustling activity and the various shops and stalls selling mining equipment and supplies. The author reflects on the potential for gold mining in the region and the need for careful planning and management to ensure successful extraction.
The chapter describes the author's journey to the mines of Abosu, the Gold Coast, and the Tákwá, where they observe the local scenery, people, and culture. The author visits the Mine d'Or d'Aboassu, the Gold Coast Mining Company, and the Tákwá establishment, noting the geological features, mining operations, and local industries. They also comment on the social and economic conditions of the area, including the presence of European companies, the treatment of local workers, and the impact of the mining industry on the environment. The author reflects on the potential for gold mining in the region and the need for careful planning and management to ensure successful extraction.
The chapter describes the author's return to Axim and departure for Europe. The author and his companion, Cameron, had fallen ill with fever and were forced to return to Axim, where they recovered. The author then traveled to Effuenta, Crockerville, and the Aji Bipa Hill, where he inspected mining lands and concessions. He visited the Effuenta mine, the Crockerville establishment, and the Aji Bipa Hill, and noted the geological features of the area. The author also met with local chiefs and discussed the potential for gold mining in the area. After completing his inspections, the author returned to Axim and prepared to depart for Europe. He packed up his collection of specimens and said goodbye to his friends and acquaintances. The author and Cameron then set sail for Europe on the B. and A. s.s. Loanda, bringing an end to their journey in the Gold Coast.
The chapter provides a conclusion to the journey and voyage, with the author reflecting on the experiences and lessons learned. The author discusses the Ashanti scare, which was a period of tension and fear of an Ashanti attack on the Gold Coast Protectorate. However, the author believes that the scare was unfounded and that the Ashanti kingdom is not a significant threat. The author also discusses the kingdom of Gyáman, which is becoming increasingly powerful and could potentially serve as a barrier against future Ashanti threats. The chapter ends with the author's return to Axim and departure for Europe, marking the end of the journey.