As might be expected, the use of ardent spirits is very common; yet the natives are seldom seen drunk, the regulations of their Ogboni lodges for-bidding it.
Cola-nuts, (cola acuminata,) a bitter and slightly astringent vegetable, are used by all, although in some places expensive. It probably counteracts the effects of the laxative character of their food. Whenever any one wishes to show particular mark of respect to his guest, he presents him, with great formality, a few cola-nuts. A little boy or girl brings a covered vessel, the best in the house, and prostrating, presents it. Abundant thanks and salutations follow. They have a proverb which says: "Anger draws arrows from the quiver: good words draw cola-nuts from the bag."[1]
There is not a more affable people found any where than are the Akus. Not even Frenchmen are more scrupulous in their attention to politeness than they. Two persons, even utter strangers, hardly ever pass each other without exchanging salutations, and the greatest attention is paid to the relative social position of each in their salutations. Equals meeting will simply say, acu; but one addressing a superior affixes some word to acu, thus, acabo, (acu abo, [2]) acuni, etc
