The otherwise waste corners of the streets were planted with sugar-cane and bananas, which spread their large light leaves over the walls.
The Ficus Indica tree, under which we now sat, had very large leaves, but showed its relationship to the Indian banian by sending down shoots toward the ground.

Shinte soon came, and appeared a man of upward of fifty-five years of age, of frank and open countenance, and about the middle height.

He seemed in good humor, and said he had expected yesterday "that a man who came from the gods would have approached and talked to him." That had been my own intention in going to the reception; but when we came and saw the formidable preparations, and all his own men keeping at least forty yards off from him, I yielded to the solicitations of my men, and remained by the tree opposite to that under which he sat.

His remark confirmed my previous belief that a frank, open, fearless manner is the most winning with all these Africans.

I stated the object of my journey and mission, and to all I advanced the old gentleman clapped his hands in approbation.