Endurance through generations has given the people large immunity from the effects of hook-worm and malaria, but not from the indigenous diseases, kraw-kraw, yaws and elephantiasis, nor of course from dysentery and smallpox which the Europeans introduced.

Yet robust health is fairly common, and where health prevails there is generally happiness, for the negroes have that within their nature.

They could not thrive in Guinea without their temperament.
It is probable that no people ever became resident on or near the west coast except under compulsion.

From the more favored easterly regions successive hordes have been driven after defeat in war.

The Fangs on the Ogowe are an example in the recent past.