"The Formosa runs through a fertile and beautiful country, hence the name, and it is said to bring down innumerable floating islands of considerable extent on its waves. The kingdom of Benin chiefly occupies the north-west of this river; and the capital, which contains about 50,000 inhabitants, lies on a creek branching from it. This country for a considerable distance from the sea is swampy and thickly wooded, and the first dry land is near the town of Gatto on the Benin river, which may be about thirty-five miles from the entrance of the creek. Benin trades in slaves and ivory. The number of blacks exported was at one time very considerable, but the unhealthiness of the climate reduced the trade with the English. The country inland to the northward, between Formosa and Ardrah, rises in a fine gentle ascent, commanding delightful prospects, and is said to be more healthy than the coast. The soil is fertile, and cotton, indigo, and other valuable productions, may be had in abundance."
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Kingdom of Benin
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