They are divided into several independent states or kingdoms; which are frequently at war either with their neighbours, or with each other. In their manners, superstitions, and government, however, they have a greater resemblance to the Mandingoes (of whom I shall presently speak) than to any other nation; but excel them in the manufacture of cotton cloth, spinning the wool to a finer thread, weaving it in a broader loom, and dyeing it of a better colour.
Their language is said to be copious and significant; and is often learned by Europeans trading to Senegal. I cannot say much of it from my own knowledge; but have preserved their numerals, which are these:
One ......... _Wean_. Two ......... _Yar_. Three ......... _Yat_. Four ......... _Yanet_. Five ......... _Judom_. Six ......... _Judom Wean_. Seven ......... _Judom Yar_. Eight ......... _Judom Yat_. Nine ......... _Judom Yanet_. Ten ......... _Fook_. Eleven ......... _Fook aug Wean_, &c.
The Foulahs, (or Pholeys,) such of them at least as reside near the Gambia, are chiefly of a tawny complexion, with soft silky hair, and pleasing features. They are much attached to a pastoral life, and have introduced themselves into all the kingdoms on the windward coast as herdsmen and husbandmen, paying a tribute to the sovereign of the country for the lands which they hold. Not having many opportunities, however, during my residence at Pisania, of improving my acquaintance with these people, I defer entering at large into their character, until a fitter occasion occurs, which will present itself when I come to Bondou.
The Mandingoes, of whom it remains to speak, constitute in truth the bulk of the inhabitants in all those districts of Africa which I visited; and their language, with a few exceptions, is universally understood and very generally spoken in that part of the continent. Their numerals are these:[2]
One ......... _Killin_. Two ......... _Foola_. Three ......... _Sabba_. Four ......... _Nani_. Five ......... _Looloo_. Six ......... _Woro_. Seven ......... _Oronglo_. Eight ......... _Sie_. Nine ......... _Conunta_. Ten ......... _Tang_. Eleven ......... _Tan ning killin_, &c.
[2] In the Travels of Francis Moore the reader will find a pretty copious vocabulary of the Mandingo language, which in general is correct.