[Decoration]March, 1790.[Decoration]
[Decoration]March, 1790.[Decoration]
[Decoration]
March, 1790.
[Decoration]
FOOTNOTES:[1]In the Arabic, the word Friend is often employed, as in this passage, to express the same meaning as the English term servant.[2]Ben Alli, a native of Morocco, who was lately in England, and of whom an account is given in theIntroduction to Chapter IV.relates, that in proceeding from Fezzan to Gharien, on his way to Tripoli, he was met by several parties of Arabs, who were robbers by profession, and who rendered the rout so dangerous, that every individual in the caravan was obliged to carry a gun, a brace of pistols, and a yatagan or sabre. He describes the country as partially cultivated; and remarks, that it is furnished with few springs, and is wholly destitute of rivers.By his account, the distance from Fezzan to Gharien is that of a journey of sixteen days.He represents the rout from Gharien to Tripoli as a sandy desart, and its length as that of a seven days journey.[3]The capital of Fezzan is situated on the banks of a small river, and is also supplied with water from a multitude of springs and wells.Being formerly built with stone, it still retains the appellation of a Christian Town; and the medley which it presents to the eye, of the vast ruins of antient buildings, and of the humble cottages of earth and sand that form the dwellings of its present Arab inhabitants, is singularly grotesque and strange.Ben Alli.[4]In this estimate of distance, the rate of travelling is supposed to be twenty-two miles per day:—a conclusion that arises from the time that was employed byMr.Lucasin travelling from Tripoli to Mesurata; for in that journey of 150 miles, seven days were consumed; and though the caravan was detained for a few hours on the sea coast, and was employed during four more in passing to and from the tents of the Arab, yet these losses were probably compensated by the extraordinary dispatch with which, in consequence of their fears, the greatest part of the journey was performed.[5]The people are of a deep swarthy complexion.Ben Alli.[6]To these sentiments of constant regard and of deep veneration for their King, his acknowledged descent from the Prophet has undoubtedly contributed: for such, if united to the temporal power, is the effect of this claim to religious authority, that in Morrocco, when in the hour of his wrath the sword of the Emperor is drawn, the submissive victims whom chance or official attendance on the Court presents to his fury, stretch forth their necks with silent and humble acquiescence; perfectly convinced that the stroke of death, when given by so sacred a hand, is an instant admission to Paradise.[7]When I was at Fezzan, about twenty years ago, the actual government was committed to an Alcaid, who received his annual appointment from the Bashaw of Tripoli.Ben Alli.[8]In Morrocco, as in Fezzan, the Founder of the reigning family was indebted for the diadem to the respect and reverence which the title of Shereef bestows.[9]From the appearance of the supposed berries, there is reason to suspect that they belong to the class of leguminous plants, and are in fact two species of pease.[10]In the neighbourhood Tombuctou a gold mitgan is worth about 10s. 6d. sterling.Ben Alli.[11]Mr.Lucasfound by his medicine scales, that the pea called habbat ell goreth, which is used in Fezzan for a weight of four grains, is exactly equal to four grains English.In England one grain of gold is worth 2d.—one penny-weight is worth 4s.—and one ounce is worth 4l. sterling.Rees’s Edition of Chambers’s Dictionary, Article “Gold.”[12]Its depth is from ten to twelve peeks, each of which is twenty-seven inches.The ShereefImhammed.[13]The rout whichBen Allipursued from Fezzan to Bornou is not distinctly described.His relation is, that on the 26th day from the time of his leaving Fezzan, he arrived at a place which in Arabic is called Wéddan, or the Rivers, for Wéddan is the plural of Wed which signifies a river.The first part of the country through which he passed is represented as a sandy Desart, in which the Shé (a plant that resembles the Wild Thyme of England) and a few bushes of shrubs and short trees are thinly scattered, and wells of water are extremely rare. Wandering Arabs, of the powerful but hospitable Tribes of Booaish and Duhassin, appear to be its only inhabitants; and Wéddan itself is said to contain but 130 houses, which are built of earth and sand; and to furnish no articles of trade but dates and salt; yet the country around it is called prolific: the rice grounds are described as numerous, and multitudes of sheep and goats, of camels and of horses, swell the list of its possessions.He represents the Duhassin Arabs, as Merchants journeying to Bornou, who carried with them for sale an assortment of goods; among which he enumerates wheat, barley, dates, salt, tobacco, and alhaiks: and he observes, that he purchased from the Chief the permission of accompanying the Tribe, and the consequent assurance of a safe passage to Bornou.From Wéddan, by forced marches, they arrived in twenty days at Bornou. A desart of sand, in some places interrupted by woods, and occasionally watered with rivulets of a strong mineral taste, constitutes the general description of the country. But as he entered the kingdom of the Bornoos, the limit of which he represents as seven days distant from the capital, he passed through several poor villages of Blacks, who live upon the charity of Travellers; for though there be no regular marked road, yet the caravans always take the same rout, and pass by those villages both in going and returning.Ben Alliseems to have travelled from Mourzouk to Bornou by a different rout from that which is usually taken by the Merchants of Fezzan: nor can it be supposed, that the independent and powerful Arabs with whom he journeyed, would either obtain, or solicit the permission of the Sovereign of Fezzan to pass in so large a body through his small and unguarded dominions. And though the corresponding accounts that are given in the narratives of the Shereef and ofBen Alli,of some villages of miserable Blacks, may suggest an idea that the two roads intersected each other on the frontier of Bornou, yet as on that supposition, the different times within which the several parts of the two journeys were respectively performed cannot be easily reconciled, there is reason to believe that the villages described byBen Alli,though peopled by similar inhabitants, may not be the same with those which attracted the compassionate notice of the Shereef.[14]The dress of the greatest part of the people is composed of shirts of blue cotton, which is manufactured in the country; of a red cap, which is imported from Tripoli; and of a white muslin turban, which is brought from Cairo by the pilgrims who return through that City from Mecca. Nose-rings of gold are worn by the principal people as a mark of distinction.Ben Alli.[15]The country in the neighbourhood of the City of Bornou is fertile in Indian corn and rice. Of barley and wheat the quantity raised is small. A species of bean, which resembles the horse-bean of Europe, though larger, and of a darker hue, is a much more common produce. Gum-trees are thinly scattered. Cotton, hemp, and indigo, are also among the various produce of its soil.Ben Alli.[16]The country abounds in different species of fruit trees, but that which produces the date is not of the number.Ben Alli.[17]Horses and horned cattle, goats and sheep, and camels, are the common animals of the country.Ben Alli.[18]Giraffa is the name by which the camelopardalis is called in the old zoological books.—The description here inserted, seems to have arisen from a blended recollection of that animal, and of the hippopotamus, whose hide is extremely tough.[19]In form, the houses are similar to those of Tripoli.Ben Alli.[20]The walls of the greatest part of the houses are built of a composition of earth and sand, and are often washed down by the heavy rains; but others are formed of the more durable materials of stones and bricks.The roofs are composed of the branches of trees, which are covered with layers of earth, and the whole building is white-washed with a species of chalk.Ben Alli.[21]Bornoo is situated in a flat country, on the banks of a small river.Ben Alli.[22]Bornoo, though a town of greater extent than Tripoli, consists of a multitude of houses, so irregularly placed that the spaces between them cannot be called streets. It is furnished with mosques, which are constructed of brick and of earth; and with schools, in which the Koran is taught, as in the principal towns of Barbary.Ben Alli.[23]In time of peace the Sultan always resides in the capital.Ben Alli.[24]Bornoo is surrounded by a wall, on which, however, there are no guards.Ben Alli.[25]A small quantity of gold dust is produced in Bornoo; but the principal medium of exchange consists of pieces of a metal which has some resemblance to tin.Ben Alli.[26]The language of the common people of Bornoo, though different from, has a strong resemblance to that of the neighbouring Negros, and is very unlike the Arabic, in which, however, the Nobles and principal families converse.The art of writing is known among them, and they are taught to express the Bornoo tongue in the characters of the Arabic.Ben Alli.[27]The Sultan and his subjects are Musselmen.Ben Alli.[28]Bornoo is governed by a King, who takes the title of Sultan.Ben Alli.[29]The Sultan of Bornoo commands a vast army of horsemen, and is a much more powerful Monarch than the Emperor of Morrocco.Ben Alli.[30]At Bornoo I exchanged for gold dust and ostrich feathers the merchandize which I had brought from Tripoli.Ben Alli.[31]The Sultan of Bornou is continually at war with the various idolatrous tribes of Blacks who border on his dominions. Those who are taken prisoners are sold to the Arabs, and this traffic constitutes the principal commerce of the country.Slaves are every day brought to him, for the acquisition of this sort of plunder is his constant occupation.Ben Alli.[32]From the hemp of the country, a coarse linen is manufactured by the people of Bornoo. Their cotton, which is also a native produce, is spun to a thread of remarkable fineness, and is then converted to callicoes and muslins of about nine inches in breadth, and of a length which varies from fifteen to twenty yards. Such of these cotton manufactures as are enriched with the blue dye of the country, which, from the superiority of the indigo, is preferable to that of the East Indies, are valued more highly than silk; yet their only supply of the latter is that which the Merchants of Barbary convey.They also fabricate a species of carpet, as a covering for their horses. Tents, from wool and the hair of goats and of camels, are made for the use of the army.The little silver they have is converted by their own artists into rings.Ben Alli.[33]The dress of the people of Fullan (a country to the West of Cashna) resembles the cloth of which the plaids of the Scotch Highlanders are made.Ben Alli.[34]The goodsimportedby the Merchants of Fezzan, consist ofSlaves—in which they have a great trade,Gold Dust,Ivory,Ostrich Feathers,Senna—which is brought from the neighbouring countries,European goods of various species, from Tripoli.The goodsexportedfrom Fezzan, consist of the following European articles:Woollen Cloths,Linens of different Sorts,Gun Barrels,Gun and Pistol Locks,Small Shot,Ball,Iron Bars,Tin,Copper,Brass,Brass Dishes,Nails,Spices,Musk,Benzoin,Dying Wood,Allum,Tartar for Dying,Green Vitriol,Verdigrease,Brimstone,Looking-Glasses.Ben Alli.[35]Leo’s History of Africa, book 7th, pages 293 and 294. English edition.“Of the Kingdom of Borno.”“The inhabitants in Summer go all naked, except at their waists, which they cover with a piece of leather: but all Winter they are clad in skins, and have beds of skins also. They embrace no religion at all, being neither Christians, Mahometans, nor Jews, nor of any other profession, but living after a brutish manner, and having wives and children in common: and (as I understood of a certain Merchant that abode a long time among them) they have no proper names at all, but every one is nick-named according to his length, his fatness, or some other qualitie. They have a most puissant Prince, being lineally descended from the Lybian people called Bardoa: horsemen he hath in a continual readiness, to the number of 3000, and an huge number of footmen, for all his subjects are so serviceable and obedient unto him, that whensoever he commandeth them, they will arme themselves and follow him whither he pleaseth to conduct them. They paye unto him none other tribute but the tithes of all their corne: neither hath this King any revenues to maintain his Estate, but only such spoils as he getteth from his next enimes by often invasions and assaults.”—“Yet the King seemeth to be marveilous rich; for his spurs, his bridles, platters, dishes, pots, and other vessels wherein his meat and drink are brought to the table, are all of pure gold: yea, and the chains of his dogs and hounds are of gold also. Howbeit this King is extremely covetous, for he had much rather pay his debts in slaves than in gold. In this kingdome are great multitudes of Negros and of other people, the names of whom (bicause I tarried here but one month) I could not well note.”[36]Teuchirawas situated near the presentTolemata; antientlyPtolemais.
[1]In the Arabic, the word Friend is often employed, as in this passage, to express the same meaning as the English term servant.
[1]In the Arabic, the word Friend is often employed, as in this passage, to express the same meaning as the English term servant.
[2]Ben Alli, a native of Morocco, who was lately in England, and of whom an account is given in theIntroduction to Chapter IV.relates, that in proceeding from Fezzan to Gharien, on his way to Tripoli, he was met by several parties of Arabs, who were robbers by profession, and who rendered the rout so dangerous, that every individual in the caravan was obliged to carry a gun, a brace of pistols, and a yatagan or sabre. He describes the country as partially cultivated; and remarks, that it is furnished with few springs, and is wholly destitute of rivers.By his account, the distance from Fezzan to Gharien is that of a journey of sixteen days.He represents the rout from Gharien to Tripoli as a sandy desart, and its length as that of a seven days journey.
[2]Ben Alli, a native of Morocco, who was lately in England, and of whom an account is given in theIntroduction to Chapter IV.relates, that in proceeding from Fezzan to Gharien, on his way to Tripoli, he was met by several parties of Arabs, who were robbers by profession, and who rendered the rout so dangerous, that every individual in the caravan was obliged to carry a gun, a brace of pistols, and a yatagan or sabre. He describes the country as partially cultivated; and remarks, that it is furnished with few springs, and is wholly destitute of rivers.
By his account, the distance from Fezzan to Gharien is that of a journey of sixteen days.
He represents the rout from Gharien to Tripoli as a sandy desart, and its length as that of a seven days journey.
[3]The capital of Fezzan is situated on the banks of a small river, and is also supplied with water from a multitude of springs and wells.Being formerly built with stone, it still retains the appellation of a Christian Town; and the medley which it presents to the eye, of the vast ruins of antient buildings, and of the humble cottages of earth and sand that form the dwellings of its present Arab inhabitants, is singularly grotesque and strange.Ben Alli.
[3]The capital of Fezzan is situated on the banks of a small river, and is also supplied with water from a multitude of springs and wells.
Being formerly built with stone, it still retains the appellation of a Christian Town; and the medley which it presents to the eye, of the vast ruins of antient buildings, and of the humble cottages of earth and sand that form the dwellings of its present Arab inhabitants, is singularly grotesque and strange.
Ben Alli.
[4]In this estimate of distance, the rate of travelling is supposed to be twenty-two miles per day:—a conclusion that arises from the time that was employed byMr.Lucasin travelling from Tripoli to Mesurata; for in that journey of 150 miles, seven days were consumed; and though the caravan was detained for a few hours on the sea coast, and was employed during four more in passing to and from the tents of the Arab, yet these losses were probably compensated by the extraordinary dispatch with which, in consequence of their fears, the greatest part of the journey was performed.
[4]In this estimate of distance, the rate of travelling is supposed to be twenty-two miles per day:—a conclusion that arises from the time that was employed byMr.Lucasin travelling from Tripoli to Mesurata; for in that journey of 150 miles, seven days were consumed; and though the caravan was detained for a few hours on the sea coast, and was employed during four more in passing to and from the tents of the Arab, yet these losses were probably compensated by the extraordinary dispatch with which, in consequence of their fears, the greatest part of the journey was performed.
[5]The people are of a deep swarthy complexion.Ben Alli.
[5]The people are of a deep swarthy complexion.
Ben Alli.
[6]To these sentiments of constant regard and of deep veneration for their King, his acknowledged descent from the Prophet has undoubtedly contributed: for such, if united to the temporal power, is the effect of this claim to religious authority, that in Morrocco, when in the hour of his wrath the sword of the Emperor is drawn, the submissive victims whom chance or official attendance on the Court presents to his fury, stretch forth their necks with silent and humble acquiescence; perfectly convinced that the stroke of death, when given by so sacred a hand, is an instant admission to Paradise.
[6]To these sentiments of constant regard and of deep veneration for their King, his acknowledged descent from the Prophet has undoubtedly contributed: for such, if united to the temporal power, is the effect of this claim to religious authority, that in Morrocco, when in the hour of his wrath the sword of the Emperor is drawn, the submissive victims whom chance or official attendance on the Court presents to his fury, stretch forth their necks with silent and humble acquiescence; perfectly convinced that the stroke of death, when given by so sacred a hand, is an instant admission to Paradise.
[7]When I was at Fezzan, about twenty years ago, the actual government was committed to an Alcaid, who received his annual appointment from the Bashaw of Tripoli.Ben Alli.
[7]When I was at Fezzan, about twenty years ago, the actual government was committed to an Alcaid, who received his annual appointment from the Bashaw of Tripoli.
Ben Alli.
[8]In Morrocco, as in Fezzan, the Founder of the reigning family was indebted for the diadem to the respect and reverence which the title of Shereef bestows.
[8]In Morrocco, as in Fezzan, the Founder of the reigning family was indebted for the diadem to the respect and reverence which the title of Shereef bestows.
[9]From the appearance of the supposed berries, there is reason to suspect that they belong to the class of leguminous plants, and are in fact two species of pease.
[9]From the appearance of the supposed berries, there is reason to suspect that they belong to the class of leguminous plants, and are in fact two species of pease.
[10]In the neighbourhood Tombuctou a gold mitgan is worth about 10s. 6d. sterling.Ben Alli.
[10]In the neighbourhood Tombuctou a gold mitgan is worth about 10s. 6d. sterling.
Ben Alli.
[11]Mr.Lucasfound by his medicine scales, that the pea called habbat ell goreth, which is used in Fezzan for a weight of four grains, is exactly equal to four grains English.In England one grain of gold is worth 2d.—one penny-weight is worth 4s.—and one ounce is worth 4l. sterling.Rees’s Edition of Chambers’s Dictionary, Article “Gold.”
[11]Mr.Lucasfound by his medicine scales, that the pea called habbat ell goreth, which is used in Fezzan for a weight of four grains, is exactly equal to four grains English.
In England one grain of gold is worth 2d.—one penny-weight is worth 4s.—and one ounce is worth 4l. sterling.
Rees’s Edition of Chambers’s Dictionary, Article “Gold.”
[12]Its depth is from ten to twelve peeks, each of which is twenty-seven inches.The ShereefImhammed.
[12]Its depth is from ten to twelve peeks, each of which is twenty-seven inches.
The ShereefImhammed.
[13]The rout whichBen Allipursued from Fezzan to Bornou is not distinctly described.His relation is, that on the 26th day from the time of his leaving Fezzan, he arrived at a place which in Arabic is called Wéddan, or the Rivers, for Wéddan is the plural of Wed which signifies a river.The first part of the country through which he passed is represented as a sandy Desart, in which the Shé (a plant that resembles the Wild Thyme of England) and a few bushes of shrubs and short trees are thinly scattered, and wells of water are extremely rare. Wandering Arabs, of the powerful but hospitable Tribes of Booaish and Duhassin, appear to be its only inhabitants; and Wéddan itself is said to contain but 130 houses, which are built of earth and sand; and to furnish no articles of trade but dates and salt; yet the country around it is called prolific: the rice grounds are described as numerous, and multitudes of sheep and goats, of camels and of horses, swell the list of its possessions.He represents the Duhassin Arabs, as Merchants journeying to Bornou, who carried with them for sale an assortment of goods; among which he enumerates wheat, barley, dates, salt, tobacco, and alhaiks: and he observes, that he purchased from the Chief the permission of accompanying the Tribe, and the consequent assurance of a safe passage to Bornou.From Wéddan, by forced marches, they arrived in twenty days at Bornou. A desart of sand, in some places interrupted by woods, and occasionally watered with rivulets of a strong mineral taste, constitutes the general description of the country. But as he entered the kingdom of the Bornoos, the limit of which he represents as seven days distant from the capital, he passed through several poor villages of Blacks, who live upon the charity of Travellers; for though there be no regular marked road, yet the caravans always take the same rout, and pass by those villages both in going and returning.Ben Alliseems to have travelled from Mourzouk to Bornou by a different rout from that which is usually taken by the Merchants of Fezzan: nor can it be supposed, that the independent and powerful Arabs with whom he journeyed, would either obtain, or solicit the permission of the Sovereign of Fezzan to pass in so large a body through his small and unguarded dominions. And though the corresponding accounts that are given in the narratives of the Shereef and ofBen Alli,of some villages of miserable Blacks, may suggest an idea that the two roads intersected each other on the frontier of Bornou, yet as on that supposition, the different times within which the several parts of the two journeys were respectively performed cannot be easily reconciled, there is reason to believe that the villages described byBen Alli,though peopled by similar inhabitants, may not be the same with those which attracted the compassionate notice of the Shereef.
[13]The rout whichBen Allipursued from Fezzan to Bornou is not distinctly described.
His relation is, that on the 26th day from the time of his leaving Fezzan, he arrived at a place which in Arabic is called Wéddan, or the Rivers, for Wéddan is the plural of Wed which signifies a river.
The first part of the country through which he passed is represented as a sandy Desart, in which the Shé (a plant that resembles the Wild Thyme of England) and a few bushes of shrubs and short trees are thinly scattered, and wells of water are extremely rare. Wandering Arabs, of the powerful but hospitable Tribes of Booaish and Duhassin, appear to be its only inhabitants; and Wéddan itself is said to contain but 130 houses, which are built of earth and sand; and to furnish no articles of trade but dates and salt; yet the country around it is called prolific: the rice grounds are described as numerous, and multitudes of sheep and goats, of camels and of horses, swell the list of its possessions.
He represents the Duhassin Arabs, as Merchants journeying to Bornou, who carried with them for sale an assortment of goods; among which he enumerates wheat, barley, dates, salt, tobacco, and alhaiks: and he observes, that he purchased from the Chief the permission of accompanying the Tribe, and the consequent assurance of a safe passage to Bornou.
From Wéddan, by forced marches, they arrived in twenty days at Bornou. A desart of sand, in some places interrupted by woods, and occasionally watered with rivulets of a strong mineral taste, constitutes the general description of the country. But as he entered the kingdom of the Bornoos, the limit of which he represents as seven days distant from the capital, he passed through several poor villages of Blacks, who live upon the charity of Travellers; for though there be no regular marked road, yet the caravans always take the same rout, and pass by those villages both in going and returning.
Ben Alliseems to have travelled from Mourzouk to Bornou by a different rout from that which is usually taken by the Merchants of Fezzan: nor can it be supposed, that the independent and powerful Arabs with whom he journeyed, would either obtain, or solicit the permission of the Sovereign of Fezzan to pass in so large a body through his small and unguarded dominions. And though the corresponding accounts that are given in the narratives of the Shereef and ofBen Alli,of some villages of miserable Blacks, may suggest an idea that the two roads intersected each other on the frontier of Bornou, yet as on that supposition, the different times within which the several parts of the two journeys were respectively performed cannot be easily reconciled, there is reason to believe that the villages described byBen Alli,though peopled by similar inhabitants, may not be the same with those which attracted the compassionate notice of the Shereef.
[14]The dress of the greatest part of the people is composed of shirts of blue cotton, which is manufactured in the country; of a red cap, which is imported from Tripoli; and of a white muslin turban, which is brought from Cairo by the pilgrims who return through that City from Mecca. Nose-rings of gold are worn by the principal people as a mark of distinction.Ben Alli.
[14]The dress of the greatest part of the people is composed of shirts of blue cotton, which is manufactured in the country; of a red cap, which is imported from Tripoli; and of a white muslin turban, which is brought from Cairo by the pilgrims who return through that City from Mecca. Nose-rings of gold are worn by the principal people as a mark of distinction.
Ben Alli.
[15]The country in the neighbourhood of the City of Bornou is fertile in Indian corn and rice. Of barley and wheat the quantity raised is small. A species of bean, which resembles the horse-bean of Europe, though larger, and of a darker hue, is a much more common produce. Gum-trees are thinly scattered. Cotton, hemp, and indigo, are also among the various produce of its soil.Ben Alli.
[15]The country in the neighbourhood of the City of Bornou is fertile in Indian corn and rice. Of barley and wheat the quantity raised is small. A species of bean, which resembles the horse-bean of Europe, though larger, and of a darker hue, is a much more common produce. Gum-trees are thinly scattered. Cotton, hemp, and indigo, are also among the various produce of its soil.
Ben Alli.
[16]The country abounds in different species of fruit trees, but that which produces the date is not of the number.Ben Alli.
[16]The country abounds in different species of fruit trees, but that which produces the date is not of the number.
Ben Alli.
[17]Horses and horned cattle, goats and sheep, and camels, are the common animals of the country.Ben Alli.
[17]Horses and horned cattle, goats and sheep, and camels, are the common animals of the country.
Ben Alli.
[18]Giraffa is the name by which the camelopardalis is called in the old zoological books.—The description here inserted, seems to have arisen from a blended recollection of that animal, and of the hippopotamus, whose hide is extremely tough.
[18]Giraffa is the name by which the camelopardalis is called in the old zoological books.—The description here inserted, seems to have arisen from a blended recollection of that animal, and of the hippopotamus, whose hide is extremely tough.
[19]In form, the houses are similar to those of Tripoli.Ben Alli.
[19]In form, the houses are similar to those of Tripoli.
Ben Alli.
[20]The walls of the greatest part of the houses are built of a composition of earth and sand, and are often washed down by the heavy rains; but others are formed of the more durable materials of stones and bricks.The roofs are composed of the branches of trees, which are covered with layers of earth, and the whole building is white-washed with a species of chalk.Ben Alli.
[20]The walls of the greatest part of the houses are built of a composition of earth and sand, and are often washed down by the heavy rains; but others are formed of the more durable materials of stones and bricks.
The roofs are composed of the branches of trees, which are covered with layers of earth, and the whole building is white-washed with a species of chalk.
Ben Alli.
[21]Bornoo is situated in a flat country, on the banks of a small river.Ben Alli.
[21]Bornoo is situated in a flat country, on the banks of a small river.
Ben Alli.
[22]Bornoo, though a town of greater extent than Tripoli, consists of a multitude of houses, so irregularly placed that the spaces between them cannot be called streets. It is furnished with mosques, which are constructed of brick and of earth; and with schools, in which the Koran is taught, as in the principal towns of Barbary.Ben Alli.
[22]Bornoo, though a town of greater extent than Tripoli, consists of a multitude of houses, so irregularly placed that the spaces between them cannot be called streets. It is furnished with mosques, which are constructed of brick and of earth; and with schools, in which the Koran is taught, as in the principal towns of Barbary.
Ben Alli.
[23]In time of peace the Sultan always resides in the capital.Ben Alli.
[23]In time of peace the Sultan always resides in the capital.
Ben Alli.
[24]Bornoo is surrounded by a wall, on which, however, there are no guards.Ben Alli.
[24]Bornoo is surrounded by a wall, on which, however, there are no guards.
Ben Alli.
[25]A small quantity of gold dust is produced in Bornoo; but the principal medium of exchange consists of pieces of a metal which has some resemblance to tin.Ben Alli.
[25]A small quantity of gold dust is produced in Bornoo; but the principal medium of exchange consists of pieces of a metal which has some resemblance to tin.
Ben Alli.
[26]The language of the common people of Bornoo, though different from, has a strong resemblance to that of the neighbouring Negros, and is very unlike the Arabic, in which, however, the Nobles and principal families converse.The art of writing is known among them, and they are taught to express the Bornoo tongue in the characters of the Arabic.Ben Alli.
[26]The language of the common people of Bornoo, though different from, has a strong resemblance to that of the neighbouring Negros, and is very unlike the Arabic, in which, however, the Nobles and principal families converse.
The art of writing is known among them, and they are taught to express the Bornoo tongue in the characters of the Arabic.
Ben Alli.
[27]The Sultan and his subjects are Musselmen.Ben Alli.
[27]The Sultan and his subjects are Musselmen.
Ben Alli.
[28]Bornoo is governed by a King, who takes the title of Sultan.Ben Alli.
[28]Bornoo is governed by a King, who takes the title of Sultan.
Ben Alli.
[29]The Sultan of Bornoo commands a vast army of horsemen, and is a much more powerful Monarch than the Emperor of Morrocco.Ben Alli.
[29]The Sultan of Bornoo commands a vast army of horsemen, and is a much more powerful Monarch than the Emperor of Morrocco.
Ben Alli.
[30]At Bornoo I exchanged for gold dust and ostrich feathers the merchandize which I had brought from Tripoli.Ben Alli.
[30]At Bornoo I exchanged for gold dust and ostrich feathers the merchandize which I had brought from Tripoli.
Ben Alli.
[31]The Sultan of Bornou is continually at war with the various idolatrous tribes of Blacks who border on his dominions. Those who are taken prisoners are sold to the Arabs, and this traffic constitutes the principal commerce of the country.Slaves are every day brought to him, for the acquisition of this sort of plunder is his constant occupation.Ben Alli.
[31]The Sultan of Bornou is continually at war with the various idolatrous tribes of Blacks who border on his dominions. Those who are taken prisoners are sold to the Arabs, and this traffic constitutes the principal commerce of the country.
Slaves are every day brought to him, for the acquisition of this sort of plunder is his constant occupation.
Ben Alli.
[32]From the hemp of the country, a coarse linen is manufactured by the people of Bornoo. Their cotton, which is also a native produce, is spun to a thread of remarkable fineness, and is then converted to callicoes and muslins of about nine inches in breadth, and of a length which varies from fifteen to twenty yards. Such of these cotton manufactures as are enriched with the blue dye of the country, which, from the superiority of the indigo, is preferable to that of the East Indies, are valued more highly than silk; yet their only supply of the latter is that which the Merchants of Barbary convey.They also fabricate a species of carpet, as a covering for their horses. Tents, from wool and the hair of goats and of camels, are made for the use of the army.The little silver they have is converted by their own artists into rings.Ben Alli.
[32]From the hemp of the country, a coarse linen is manufactured by the people of Bornoo. Their cotton, which is also a native produce, is spun to a thread of remarkable fineness, and is then converted to callicoes and muslins of about nine inches in breadth, and of a length which varies from fifteen to twenty yards. Such of these cotton manufactures as are enriched with the blue dye of the country, which, from the superiority of the indigo, is preferable to that of the East Indies, are valued more highly than silk; yet their only supply of the latter is that which the Merchants of Barbary convey.
They also fabricate a species of carpet, as a covering for their horses. Tents, from wool and the hair of goats and of camels, are made for the use of the army.
The little silver they have is converted by their own artists into rings.
Ben Alli.
[33]The dress of the people of Fullan (a country to the West of Cashna) resembles the cloth of which the plaids of the Scotch Highlanders are made.Ben Alli.
[33]The dress of the people of Fullan (a country to the West of Cashna) resembles the cloth of which the plaids of the Scotch Highlanders are made.
Ben Alli.
[34]The goodsimportedby the Merchants of Fezzan, consist ofSlaves—in which they have a great trade,Gold Dust,Ivory,Ostrich Feathers,Senna—which is brought from the neighbouring countries,European goods of various species, from Tripoli.The goodsexportedfrom Fezzan, consist of the following European articles:Woollen Cloths,Linens of different Sorts,Gun Barrels,Gun and Pistol Locks,Small Shot,Ball,Iron Bars,Tin,Copper,Brass,Brass Dishes,Nails,Spices,Musk,Benzoin,Dying Wood,Allum,Tartar for Dying,Green Vitriol,Verdigrease,Brimstone,Looking-Glasses.Ben Alli.
[34]The goodsimportedby the Merchants of Fezzan, consist of
The goodsexportedfrom Fezzan, consist of the following European articles:
Ben Alli.
[35]Leo’s History of Africa, book 7th, pages 293 and 294. English edition.“Of the Kingdom of Borno.”“The inhabitants in Summer go all naked, except at their waists, which they cover with a piece of leather: but all Winter they are clad in skins, and have beds of skins also. They embrace no religion at all, being neither Christians, Mahometans, nor Jews, nor of any other profession, but living after a brutish manner, and having wives and children in common: and (as I understood of a certain Merchant that abode a long time among them) they have no proper names at all, but every one is nick-named according to his length, his fatness, or some other qualitie. They have a most puissant Prince, being lineally descended from the Lybian people called Bardoa: horsemen he hath in a continual readiness, to the number of 3000, and an huge number of footmen, for all his subjects are so serviceable and obedient unto him, that whensoever he commandeth them, they will arme themselves and follow him whither he pleaseth to conduct them. They paye unto him none other tribute but the tithes of all their corne: neither hath this King any revenues to maintain his Estate, but only such spoils as he getteth from his next enimes by often invasions and assaults.”—“Yet the King seemeth to be marveilous rich; for his spurs, his bridles, platters, dishes, pots, and other vessels wherein his meat and drink are brought to the table, are all of pure gold: yea, and the chains of his dogs and hounds are of gold also. Howbeit this King is extremely covetous, for he had much rather pay his debts in slaves than in gold. In this kingdome are great multitudes of Negros and of other people, the names of whom (bicause I tarried here but one month) I could not well note.”
[35]Leo’s History of Africa, book 7th, pages 293 and 294. English edition.
“Of the Kingdom of Borno.”
“The inhabitants in Summer go all naked, except at their waists, which they cover with a piece of leather: but all Winter they are clad in skins, and have beds of skins also. They embrace no religion at all, being neither Christians, Mahometans, nor Jews, nor of any other profession, but living after a brutish manner, and having wives and children in common: and (as I understood of a certain Merchant that abode a long time among them) they have no proper names at all, but every one is nick-named according to his length, his fatness, or some other qualitie. They have a most puissant Prince, being lineally descended from the Lybian people called Bardoa: horsemen he hath in a continual readiness, to the number of 3000, and an huge number of footmen, for all his subjects are so serviceable and obedient unto him, that whensoever he commandeth them, they will arme themselves and follow him whither he pleaseth to conduct them. They paye unto him none other tribute but the tithes of all their corne: neither hath this King any revenues to maintain his Estate, but only such spoils as he getteth from his next enimes by often invasions and assaults.”
—“Yet the King seemeth to be marveilous rich; for his spurs, his bridles, platters, dishes, pots, and other vessels wherein his meat and drink are brought to the table, are all of pure gold: yea, and the chains of his dogs and hounds are of gold also. Howbeit this King is extremely covetous, for he had much rather pay his debts in slaves than in gold. In this kingdome are great multitudes of Negros and of other people, the names of whom (bicause I tarried here but one month) I could not well note.”
[36]Teuchirawas situated near the presentTolemata; antientlyPtolemais.
[36]Teuchirawas situated near the presentTolemata; antientlyPtolemais.
Transcriber's note:Changes in theErratahave been made.pgviiChanged: C. A. Pelham to: Charles A. Pelham(in accordance to catchword in previous page)pg75Changed: had carrried off sixty to: carriedpg85(footnote3) Changed: singulary grotesque to: singularlypg130(footnote13) Changed: not distincty described to: distinctlypg152Changed: of those crimimals to: criminalspg166Changed: 7 -- Nuskoo to: Huskoopg222Changed:Gonjah, is, from circumstamces to: circumstancespg231Changed: the plain ofGebabibto:GegabibMinor changes in punctuation have been done silently.Other spelling inconsistencies have been left unchanged.New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the public domain.