Page:Africa by Élisée Reclus, Volume 3.djvu/317

 deeds and conquests, the Fons are distinguished by great intelligence and a remarkable facility for acquiring foreign languages. According to Broca's measurements, they take a foremost place amongst the races of mankind for cranial capacity. Nevertheless, for the abject slavery of its subjects and the tyranny of its rulers the kingdom of Dahomey bears a striking resemblance to that of Ashanti.

The sovereign is a god; his power is limitless, the life and fortunes of his subjects are at his mercy; he is master of all the living, heir of all the dead. Formerly infants were removed from their mothers and brought up in other families in order to prevent the people from forming any ties of affection except

towards their sovereign. Being exempt from the ills that other mortals endure, this potentate is supposed to need neither food nor drink, and was till recently regarded almost as an invisible spirit, the delusion being fostered by the practice of taking his meals apart and hearing petitions from behind a screen. He maintains an army of "amazons" commanded by the dada, or queen, who enjoys the right of life and death within the limits of the harem, and whose sons are alone recognised as royal princes. Some of these women are state dignitaries, and when royalty condescends to take counsel, his wives consult with the mingo, or prime minister, and other high officials. The amazons rival their male companions in arms in prowess, contempt of death, and cold-blooded cruelty. Their