Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 3.djvu/259



The colony of Sierra-Leone is administered by a governor, assisted by a council, and paid from the colonial revenues, which are derived chiefly from customs, and exceed £80,000 a year. The garrison consists of Negroes and half-castes from the West Indies, commanded by European officers, all highly paid. The police service is entrusted mainly to the Egbas, and to some other natives from the Niger and the Slave Coast. A period of eighteen months' service in this fever-stricken region entitles all officers to a twelve months' leave of absence on full pay. They have also the advantage of health resorts, such as Madeira, the Canaries, and the neighbouring Banana Island.

Foreigners cannot purchase land in the settlement without first becoming naturalised.