3-053-567 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Gold Coast and Ashantee War: the coast, Gambia River, 1873. 'The site of the village near the Devil's Point, a few huts of which can be seen in the Illustration, is one of the most weird, strange-looking spots imaginable. The trees, with their gnarled branches and varying colours, present a most grotesque appearance - one tree especially, which, quite denuded of leaves, is laden with birds'-nests of a yellow colour; these in the distance have the appearance of fruit. The natives of the Gambia are of a very warlike character, and would probably make good native soldiers, should the plan of recruiting in this district be carried out'. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.