BISSAGOS, a cluster of islands on the coast of Negroland in Africa, situated between the mouth of the
Bissau, Bissau. the rivers Gambia and Rio Grande. Their names are Bulam, Cassuabac, La Gallinci, Cazegut, Calacha, and Oranguana, with some other small islands: but the only one which merits a particular description is that of Bulam. Each of these islands is governed by a king of its own; and as all those petty monarchs are quite independent, they frequently make war with each other, yet they always unite against the inhabitants of Bifara, who are their common enemies. They have canoes that carry from 25 to 40 men with their provisions and arms, which are sabres and bows and arrows. The inhabitants are negroes; who are tall, strong, and healthy, though they live only on fish, nuts, and palm-oil; choosing rather to sell the rice, millet, and other grain produced in their country, to the Europeans, than not to gratify their passion for trinkets and ornaments. In general they are idolaters; cruel and savage in their disposition, and when they happen to quarrel, and are disappointed of their revenge, they frequently drown or stab themselves. An attempt was made in 1792 to plant a colony on Bulama, one of these islands, but it entirely failed.