: S CHAPTER XII. Shipwrecks on the Western Coast o f Africa about Wedinoon and S a h a ra -S ta te o f the British and other Captives M in pos-^ session o f the Saharawans, or roving Arabs o f the Desert Suggestion of the Author fo r the Alleviation o f their Sufferings — Mode of their Redemption. T h a t part of the western coast of Africa, w hich lies between the latitudes of 20 and 32 degrees north, has been different y laid down in various charts, but, perhaps, never yet accurately. T he Spaniards, who fish on this coast eastward of the Canary Islands,-assure us that soundings are to be found q«.tc^across o the Continent; and there is a tradition among the Arabs, thatm very remote ages those islands formed part of the Airman con. tinent. In support of this tradition, it may be observed, that the aborigines of Lancerotta, one o f the Canary islands situated about thirty-five leagues from this coast, resemble in manners in physiognomy, in person, and in language the Shelluhs, inhabitants of South Atlas, and retain many of their customs. T h a t part o f the coast, which lies between the above-mentioned latitudes, is a desert country interspersed with immense hills o f loose and moveable sand, which are from time to tune driven b y the wind into various forms, and so impregnate the air with particles of sand for many miles out at sea, as to g iv e to the atmosphere an appearance o f ha zy weather: navigators not aware o f this circumstance, never suspect, during such
27f 39
To see the actual publication please follow the link above