Bondman, Bondsman

n. One who is in bonds; a male slave. "Hereditary bondsmen! Know ye not, Who would be free, themselves must strike the blow." - Вутоп. Bondou ( bon'doo ), a little known country of West Africa, whose position was not until recent times as certained. On Rennell's map to Park's First Journey, it is placed between the Lats. of 132 and 1440 N., and between Lon. 11° and 13° W. Though deemed powerful by its barbarous neighbors, it is a small state, not exceeding in length, from E. to W., 78 m., nor in width, from N. to S., 70. It is, however, very compact in form, and has an area of about 5,000 sq. m. It is bounded E. by Bambouk; S.E. and S. by Tenda and the Simbani Wilderne (wooded, not desert); S.W. by the latter country and Woolli; W. by Foota Toria; and on the N. by Kujaaga. Surface. Generally mountainous, and watered by the rivers Fo-le-me (an affluent of the Senegal), and the Nerico (of the Gambia). Prod. Vegetation is vigorous, and the soil is not to be surpa ed in the world. Corn is the principal article of industry; its other productions are the same as those of Bambarra, q. v. Climate. Tolerably healthy. Inhab . The natives differ e entially in complexion and manners from their immediate neighbors. They belong to the great Foulah family, next to the Man dingoes the most considerable of all the W. African nations. They have a tawny, or rather yellow skin, with small features, and soft, silky hair. They hold the negroes to be their inferiors, and when talking of different races, always cla themselves among white people. Centrally situated between the Senegal and Gambia, B. has become a high-road for traffic. The native exports consist of corn, cotton cloths, and aromatic gums. The transit trade consists of slaves. salt, iron, Shoa butter, and gold-dust. Govt. and Religion. The government is monarchical. The Mohammedan religion is very generally, but not exclusively, profe ed. Schools are established in the different towns, where children of all persuasions are taught to read and write. The character used is Arabic; and the instructors are Mohammedan priests. Cap . Bulibani. Pop . about 1,500,000.