FOOTNOTES:

M. Jomard gave notice that M. Auguste Caillié, present at the meeting, wished to offer his thanks to the Society; he then gave some account of the information derived from the travels, and announced that he had been able from the journal to draw a complete itinerary from Rio-Nuñez to Tangier, by Timé, Jenné, Timbuctoo, Tafilet, and Fez. He proposed that a committee of five members should be appointed to take the papers into consideration and make their report before the general meeting, in order that the public may be speedily enabled to appreciate the labours and observations of this interesting traveller. The proposition was unanimously adopted, and a special commission composed of Messrs. Eyriès, Amédée Jaubert, Larenaudière, baron Roger, Cadet de Metz, and Jomard, appointed to report to the meeting upon the travels and papers of M. Caillié. The central commission will hold an extraordinary meeting to receive this report.

Letter from the President and Secretary of the Society, to their Excellencies the Ministers of the Marine, of the Interior, and of Foreign Affairs.Paris, 28th November, 1828.Monseigneur,The Geographical Society, after having attentively investigated the efforts and observations of M. A. Caillié in the interior of Africa, has aknowledged him deserving of the reward promisedto the first traveller who should reach the city of Timbuctoo, setting out from Senegambia, and has decided that the annexed report should be communicated to Your Excellency. We hasten, Monseigneur, to address to you a copy[174]in behalf of M. Caillié, and we deem it superfluous to recommend him again to your favour. Perhaps Your Excellency may think it advisable to lay before His Majesty a statement of his services.We are, &c.Signed BaronCuvier,President; ViscountSimeon,Vice president;Girard,President of the Central Committee;Jomard,Vice-President;De Larenaudière,General Secretary.

Paris, 28th November, 1828.

Monseigneur,

The Geographical Society, after having attentively investigated the efforts and observations of M. A. Caillié in the interior of Africa, has aknowledged him deserving of the reward promisedto the first traveller who should reach the city of Timbuctoo, setting out from Senegambia, and has decided that the annexed report should be communicated to Your Excellency. We hasten, Monseigneur, to address to you a copy[174]in behalf of M. Caillié, and we deem it superfluous to recommend him again to your favour. Perhaps Your Excellency may think it advisable to lay before His Majesty a statement of his services.

We are, &c.

Signed BaronCuvier,President; ViscountSimeon,Vice president;Girard,President of the Central Committee;Jomard,Vice-President;De Larenaudière,General Secretary.

London, 1st December, 1828.

Sir,

I have received your obliging letter of the first of November and that of the 20th, to which you have had the goodness to add printed copies of our correspondence on the subject of the two African travellers therein mentioned. I beg you to accept my very hearty thanks. The explanation you have kindly given in your first letter is perfectly satisfactory, and of a nature to convince me that I was under a mistake, and that I had confounded M. Caillié’s happy return with the successful accomplishment of his enterprise. I have long delayed thanking you, that I might be enabled at the same time to send you a copy of the map, &c.

SignedJohn Barrow.

Paris, 2nd December, 1828.

While the definitive recompense which M. Caillié may be entitled to expect, on account of the courageous enterprise which he has recently accomplished, remains in suspense, I have proposed to the King to grant to this traveller a provisional indemnity of three thousand francs, payable from the funds of the Senegal. His Majesty has been graciously pleased, by a decision of the 30th of November, to accede to my proposition. I have thought that it would be agreeable to you to be informed of this act of royal beneficence, which I congratulate myself as having been the instrument of obtaining.

Receive, &c.

SignedBaronHyde de Neuville.

Paris, 10th December, 1828.

I hasten to announce to you that upon my proposition, the King has deigned, by an ordinance of this day, to create M. Caillié a Knight of the Legion of Honour: I request you will have the goodness to announce it to him. I shall be happy to see him to-morrow, Thursday the 11th of December, between the hours of eleven and one, to communicate this intelligence to him personally.

Be pleased to accept, &c.,

SignedBaron Hyde de Neuville.

Paris, 11th December, 1828.

You have transmitted to me, in the name of the Geographical Society, a copy of the report of the special commission charged to draw up for the society an account of the travels of M. A. Caillié to Timbuctoo and in the interior of Africa. I have the honour to thank you for the communication of this interesting report.

I have learned with pleasure that the Society has judged M. Caillié deserving of the recompense proposed to the traveller who, setting out from Senegambia, should penetrate to Timbuctoo.

Considerably as my department has already contributed to the formation of the fund appropriated to this object, I have proposed to the King to grant to M. Caillié, from the colonial funds, a special indemnity of three thousand francs, the allowance of which I have directly announced to M. Caillié.

A favour of still higher value has since been decreed to this traveller; by an ordinance of the 10th of December, issued upon my report, the King has named him a Knight of the royal order of the Legion of Honour.

I congratulate myself in having to acquaint the Geographical Society with these acts of royal beneficence, which I have joyfully seized the opportunity of recommending in recompense for M. Caillié’s devotedness.

Be pleased to accept, &c.

SignedBaronHyde de Neuville.

M. Jomard, the organ of the Committee charged to draw up an account of the results of M. Caillié’s travels, read the report, which was listened to with the most lively and intense attention. After having successively explained all the reasons upon which the conviction of the Committee was founded, and especially the agreement which subsists between the accounts of this traveller and those published by such of his predecessors as are the most accurate and most deserving of credit; after having announced that M. Caillié’s journal contains an itinerary continued without interruption from Rio-Nuñez to Tangier; the reporter delivered a sketch of the results of the Travels sufficient to excite, but not to satisfy the curiosity of the audience. He enumerated the principal places which our countryman visited during a journey of seventeen months, and of about three thousand miles. We shall only cite his embarkation at Jenné on the Dhioliba (vulgarly called the Niger), his navigation from thence to Timbuctoo, during an entire month in the season of shallow water; his residence in this town, and his subsequent journey across the great desert, during two months and a half, to the kingdom of Morocco and to Tangier. There M. Delaporte, Consul of France and a member of the Geographical Society, received our countryman, lavished upon him all the attentions which his ill-health and exhaustion demanded, after his escape from the dangers of the climate and the perils of so long and arduous a journey.

The report was warmly applauded; and, in conformity to the conclusions of the Committee, M. Caillié was introduced, and received from the hands of the President the recompense offered to his generous self-devotion, that is to say, the produce of a subscription opened by the Society in behalf of the person who should first succeed in penetrating to Timbuctoo by the way of Senegambia, and in furnishing a description of that town.

Paris, 5th December, 1828.

Gentlemen,

I have received the letter which you did me the honour to write on the 29th of November last, and with it a copy of the report made to the Society upon the travels of M. A. Caillié in the interior of Africa.

I shall examine with interest what it may be in my power to do towards fulfilling the wishes you express in favour of a traveller, who has executed an enterprise of the great importance of which, in its relation to science, and our intercourse with countries, hitherto, and even still, so imperfectly known, I fully appreciate, as the Minister of the Marine has done.

Be pleased to accept, &c.

SignedMartignac.

St. Louis, 1828.

Know that Chems, chief of the tribe of Darmancours, has told me that he has received a letter from Saleh, son of our Iman and of our Cheyhkh (at Tischit), relating to the christian who went to Gadamès. From this town he went towards Touat, then he proceded towards the tribe of the Cheykh Moctar (chief of the Kountas, to the east of the kingdom of the Dowiches). In consideration of a thousand drachms of gold, the people of this tribe accompanied him to Timbuctoo, where they arrived after a journey which continued seven days; afterwards they left him. This white man remained some days at Timbuctoo; then he quitted it. He was met by the Moors who are called Berabiches. These killed him, stole his money, and left behind the books which he possessed.

Saleh says that, if the christians wish for these books, they have only to send some one to him, and that he will restore them.

The Berabiches are the Moors who inhabit the environs of Timbuctoo and Arawane.

The King of Timbuctoo is named الخاش (el-Khâch).

St. Louis, September, 1828.

On my way hither from my own country, I passed through Timbuctoo, when I learnt that a white man, who had resided there some days, had been murdered on his way to Ségo; and the circumstances of that unfortunate event, as related to me, in that town, are as follows:

This European, who came from Tripoli, and expressed a desire to proceed to the Senegambia, travelled with a Jew of Barbary, who acted as interpreter; he was attended by four black servants, and possessed nine camels laden with provisions and merchandise. He had arrived within a few days’ journey of Timbuctoo with his caravan, when he was joined by another, composed of Moors of Tuat orTuaris. They first demanded presents of him, and then invited him to barter. The Englishman (who is supposed to be Major Laing) consented, and trafficked with this tribe: but, during the night, they burst into his tent and attacked him. The white man and his servants defended themselves bravely: though wounded in the arm, the traveller succeeded in escaping on one of his camels: he was rejoined soon after by one of the blacks, who brought back two others; they fortunately reached Timbuctoo and took refuge there. But the Tuaris pursued them, and required of the King to surrender to them the white man who had killed several of their companions. The unfortunate man was obliged to flee from his persecutors: in vain he took a contrary course to deceive his pursuers and escape to Ségo; he was overtaken by the villains and put to death.

I could have easily obtained from the Tuaris the books which belonged to this European; but I durst not, lest I should be suspected of having been concerned in his murder.

THE END.

FOOTNOTES:[1]These planks are sawed; of this, at least, I think I am certain. The natives are indebted to the Moors for the knowledge of the saw. Wood is so scarce in this country that it is necessary to make a tree produce as many planks as possible.[2]An abbreviation of Moubark.[3]This custom also prevails on the Senegal.[4]The wordNileis generic, as are also the termsBahr’Bâ,Kouara, and many similar names.[5]Like the shields of the ancient Egyptians.[6]When I wrote in the desert, I sat down and placed on my knees some leaves of the Koran, which I was supposed to be copying and studying. See plate 3.[7]Of about two feet.[8]See plates 4 and 5.[9]See plate 3.[10]See plate 6.[11]I have already observed that Nile is a generic term and does not necessarily apply to the Egyptian river.[12]Wooden locks and keys are also used in Egypt and Nubia.[13]See the plan of a private house. Plate 5, Figs. 4. 5.[14]It is doubtful whether the English traveller would have expressed himself in this manner.[15]The value of the gold mitkhal is about twelve francs, and the silver mitkhal about four.[16]It was the Moors of the tribe of Zawât, who assassinated Major Laing.[17]The Hoden of the maps.[18]Hedysarum alhagi.[19]The Guigo without doubt.[20]A kind of inn.[21]Felous is a generic word signifying coined money. At Fez this name is also given to a copper coin resembling theguof Egypt.[22]This is the river which on the maps is called Sebou, and into which the sea ascends.[23]M. Amédée Jaubert has already presented to the Geographical Society a translation of thefirst climateof the geography of el-Edricy, from the manuscript which he has discovered: the entire work will be printed in the collection of this society’s memoirs. The Rev. M. Renouard is also preparing in London, a translation of another inedited manuscript of the same geographer.[24]SeeGeogr. Nubiens, by Gabriel Sionit., p. 7, 9, Paris, 1619, in-4to, and Hartmann,Edrisii Africa, p. 28 to 55 andpass. Gotting. 1795, 8vo.[25]Agadez, according to M. Walckenaer. See his learnedRecherches géographiques sur l’Intérieur de l’Afrique Septentr.p. 11, in which work almost all the materials which should be consulted by those who are studying the history of African discoveries are quoted and collected.[26]M. Walckenaer has already remarked that on the ancient map on wood in the King’s library (of the middle of the 14th century) Timbuctoo is indicated by the name of Tenbuch. Its foundation dated about a century and a half earlier.Rech. sur l’Afr. Septentr. &c., p. 14.[27]Insula verò Ulil in mare sita est, etc.Geograph. Nubiensp. 7. Butbahrsignifies both river and sea.[28]This same extract more complete has just been published in an English translation by Mr. S. Lee, under the title of Travels of Ibn Batuta, etc. London, 1829.—During my abode at Cairo, I heard mention of a complete manuscript, the work of Ben-Batouta, deposited in the library of the Mosque el-Azhar.[29]Perhaps تغازي and not تغاري Teghary as read by Burckhardt, or Tegherry, which would conduct him to the centre of the kingdom of Fez: M. Kosegarten read تغازا and Mr. Lee ثغازي in one of the manuscripts.[30]Oualet, according to M. Walckenaer.[31]This opinion is adopted by M. Walckenaer (Recherches sur l’Afrique sept.&c. p. 32).[32]According to the traveller Adrien Partarrieu, a man of colour, resident at Senegal, who was well acquainted with the languages both of Africa and Europe, and capable of making good geographical observations.[33]SeeHistoire complète des Voyages et Découvertes en Afrique, by Dr. Leyden, and H. Murray, French translation, vol. 3, page 173 and the following.[34]The position of Timbo should first be corrected from the observations of Major Laing.[35]It has already been remarked (if an author may be permitted to quote himself) in theRéflexions sur l’état des connaissances relatives au cours du Dhiolibâ(page 23) that the catastrophe appears to have occurred about the 4th of January 1806. He set out from Sansanding about the 19th of November, his voyage therefore could only have lasted about forty seven days.[36]Compare the map of Park’s second journey, in the “Journal of a Mission to the Interior of Africa,” etc. London, 1815.[37]Otherwise Benjamin Rose.[38]Nouveau Voyage dans l’Intérieur de l’Afrique, fait en 1820, etc. translated from the English by the Chevalier de Frasans, Paris, 1817.[39]Such a change cannot have taken place in eighteen years.[40]See plate 6, in this volume, and the explanation.[41]See below, Chapter II, andNouveau Voyage, &c. p. 79.[42]It has been already observed, that he gave five Arabic words, as those of Timbuctoo.Nouveau Voyage, page 175.[43]The substitution of Bahr zahara (river of the desert) for Marzarah, as proposed by M. Dupuis, appears improbable. SeeRel. d’Adams, page 136.[44]See below, page 217, the analysis of the general map, § II, Art. 3.[45]See further on for what relates to the basins of the different rivers.[46]From this lofty range the Rio-Grande and the rivers of the Timannie flow to the west and south-west; the Gambia, the Falemé, the Bâfing or Senegal, to the north; and the Dhioliba and its tributaries, to the east. It is probably connected with the mountains vulgarly calledKong, a word the true signification of which ismountain.[47]Several points however of these narratives, which I cannot here pretend to reconcile, yet remain to be elucidated.[48]See theVoyage dans l’Afrique occidentale de 1818 à 1821, by Major William Gray, and the late Surgeon Dochard, Paris, 1826, translated by Mme. Ch. Huguet. Every one is acquainted with the unhappy issue of this mission, during which, however, interesting observations were made, equally worthy the attention of geographers and of philanthropists.[49]See on this subject, theNouvelle Histoire générale des voyages, &c. published by M. Walckenaer.[50]See below, Art. 3, remarks on the extent of an hour’s and a day’s journey in Northern Africa.[51]Ninety-six days exclusive of those of rest.[52]The two days’ journey in a mountainous country must necessarily be valued at less than eighteen geographical miles each.[53]See amongst othersLa Sénégambie pour servir à la nouvelle Histoire générale des Voyages de M. Walckenaer &c.par M. Dufour, 1828.[54]It appears to me that M. Dufour, in his estimable work on Senegambia, restricts himself too scrupulously to the details of M. Mollien’s route, which nevertheless are very valuable.[55]The Mandingoes place the Couranco, where Major Laing places the Soulimana, that is to say they prolong the Couranco to the N. W., towards the sources of the Dhioliba.[56]All the rivulets near Kakondy nevertheless flow to the north into the Rio-Nuñez; but their course is short; perhaps also, some of the succeeding ones fall into the Rio-Grande.[57]Sami to the west of Sego, 13° 17’ north, second journey of Mungo Park,Journal of a Mission, &c. London, 1815, page 149 and 150.[58]It is nearly due N. E.[59]See, farther on, the tracing of the course of the river.[60]It is the same with that from Djenné to Timbuctoo.[61]M. Walckenaer, as I have elsewhere said, was among the first to acknowledge the necessity of this alteration. SeeRecherches, &c. See also Vol. II, of theMémoires de la Société de Géographie, and itsBulletinorRecueil périodique.[62]The journal shows four days’ distance; these must be days of twelve leagues: there are actually eight ordinary days’ journeys with the windings.[63]See § V below.[64]See § V. farther on.[65]See Art. 3.[66]See pages457and464.[67]In the map which accompanies his work, M. Walckenaer places Tafilet about 5° east of Morocco; but M. Lapie, in the map to M. Cochelet’s travels makes it only 3 degrees and a half distant. This is also the difference of longitude which results from the route of M. Caillié as traced by me, the positions of Morocco and Fez being moreover precisly known. The whole eastern part however of the empire of Morocco presents difficulties and uncertainties, which cause the necessity of new observations to be sensibly felt.[68]May not the too great remoteness of Tafilet from Fez arise from the custom of which I have spoken, which always exaggerates itinerary distances?[69]May not the wordbeheimwhich in Arabic signifies cattle be here mistaken for the name of a place?[70]About 300 miles south of Nun, 500 north of Tumbut, and 100 from the Ocean: it is evident that no point can fulfil all these conditions.[71]Perhaps el-Quebly ال قبلي improperly pronounced; this word, signifyingwhich is to the south, should, it is probable, be erased front the maps.[72]For caravans moderately laden, see observations below.[73]Toudeyni is at the distance of one day’s journey.[74]There is reason to believe that the caravan rested several times during marches of more than twelve hours.[75]El-Yabo a Berber town, is one day’s journey N. W. of Zenatyia.[76]Afilé is near this place.[77]I am not speaking of points more or less in the neighbourhood of the route, as Labé, or of the first part of the course of the Dhioliba.[78]The lengths of the style and of the shadow were taken with cords, which have been brought back to France, and which I have measured with the utmost possible care, comparing them with a good copper metre.The style was a very straight stick, placed quite vertically, by means of a plummet, which the traveller brought away with him, and which is deposited at the vice-consulate at Tangier, in the hands of M. Delaporte.[79]I am indebted for this calculation, and for the following obliging notice to Lieut. Col. Corabœuf, of the corps of royal geographical engineers.Zenithal distance of the superior edge of ⊙22°22’Semi-diameter of ⊙0°16’22°38’Southern declination of ⊙13°38’North latitude90[80]Two thousand, eight hundred and forty nine miles and a quarter.[81]I say nothing of the false information, which the natives, and especially the Moors, have wilfully given to Europeans, to keep them away from the centre of Africa; some out of fanaticism, others for fear of losing the advantages of commerce.[82]Zenithal distance of the superior edge of ⊙2°26’Semidiameter of ⊙0°16’242Northern declination of ⊙159’North latitude1751I must not conceal the fact that M. Caillié made four similar observations in different places, which are too inconsistent with the itinerary to be made any use of.[83]I have formerly given a rather remarkable example of an analogous application, in the height of the great pyramid of Memphis, measured by the assistance of mathematical instruments, and afterwards by the addition of the partial measures of the degrees, worked by imperfect processes. The results differ very little, but the number of the partial measures was 203.[84]The latitude as determined by M. Walckenaer approaches very near to this result.[85]See the Bulletin of the Geographical Society, the second volume of its memoirs, and the map of the Course of the Gambia beyond Coussaye etc.[86]“An Account of the Empire of Morocco,” p. 240.[87]In his letter dated from Timbuctoo, Major Laing speaks of a distance of fifteen days’ journeys between Sego and Timbuctoo; I find upon the map about three hundred and fifty-four miles in a direct line; the days’ journeys are of twenty four miles, or those of a light caravan.[88]The Journal of a Mission to the Interior of Africa, &c. p. 164.[89]A Chart of the River Gambia, &c.[90]Annales Maritimesfor the year 1827, second part, vol. ii, p. 276.[91]Ann. Marit.for the year 1828; second part, vol. i, pages 933 and 941.[92]The Journal, &c. p. 21.[93]M. de Beaufort has made, at Senegal, two observations which differ from the above by more than 5°, and others which exceed from 2 to 5 degrees: this variation is, no doubt, owing to local circumstances.[94]The journeys of the subsequent days were shorter.[95]It is the same with the route from Timbuctoo to Arbate.[96]Impatience to arrive, and above all, the imperious necessity of reaching the wells, sufficiently account for these long journeys through the desert.[97]Recherches sur l’Afrique septentrionale, &c., page 266.[98]After all deductions.[99]Or from 24 to 26, on account of a ten hours’ march of two miles and six-tenths an hour.[100]The learned M. Eyriès in hisGeographical Observationson the discoveries of M. Mollien, confines the day’s journey to five leagues, or twelve geographical miles; this estimate applies only to certain cases, for example the long extended journeys of pedestrians, but not to the days’ journeys of ordinary caravans.[101]Carte générale des Etats du Nord de l’Afrique, &c.[102]The data and calculations exhibited above, being the basis upon which I have reduced the itinerary map and used it for the general map, it is superfluous here to explain more at length the necessary differences between the two; but I have considered it equally my duty to give the first without modification, that is to say constructed solely upon the estimate of the journeys. I shall here give the general result of M. Caillié’s days’ journeys, which, as a whole, deserve attention for their continuity and extent.JOURNEYSNumber of days of actual travel.Number of hours of travel.Estimated number of English miles.Number of hours journey daily.Estimated number of English miles.Number of geographical miles.per hour.per day.per hour.per day.From Kakondy to Timé48176½529¼3,7311,02,149,43„ Timé to Galia621484442,437,22,146,17„ Galia to Timbuctoo by water26262524102201,4317,2„ Timbuctoo to Fez6763012609,3218,81,4316,1„ Fez to Arbate4459011,2222,51,4319,3Totals2071261½2849¼„„„„„Progress of caravans heavily laden, by the hour in geographical miles: from 1⁹⁄₂₀ to 1½„ moderately laden, by the hour in ditto. .from 2 to ³⁄₂₀[103]See Chapter 3.[104]See Chapter 2 below.[105]Couaraba, orRiver-River; thus the Africans call the NileBa-ba.[106]See below § V.[107]“This place,” says Leo, “is a very abundant mine of salt, whiter than marble, at the distance of about twenty days’ journey from any inhabited spot, and having wells of very salt water only.” The author does not give its exact situation. SeeDescrip. Africæ, 1. 6, p. 425, Figur. 1559.[108]I apprehend this word to be corrupted by the Europeans because Kount, the same perhaps as Kant, is actually the name of a tribe of the Sahara, according to M. Caillié’s Itinerary.[109]Perhaps a different place from Walet, as I have conjectured above.[110]When properly written, I do not think that this word contains a يye. We may be satisfied, however, with the orthography تمبكتُ Temboctou, and the word is perhaps composed of the Berber particleteorta, as Tamaroc, Takant, Tarekne, T-rarzas, T-razah, etc., and ofm-boctou, formed like M-dayara. I know that Ben Batouta writes Tenboctou, تنبكتوا The only doubt remaining is relative to the use of themorn. SeeThe Travels of Ibn Batouta, English translation by Mr. Lee, London 1829, p. 237.[111]See in § V further on, several remarks upon the nomenclature.[112]On the left bank the Tankisso, and several others; on the right bank the Couaraba, the Bagoé, &c.[113]Volume II of the Memoirs of the Geographical Society, page 54.[114]Speaking of the sight of the river, which he obtained from the heights of Toniba, at four leagues distance, Park exclaims: “I once more saw the Niger rolling its immense stream along the plain.” (The Journal of a Mission, &c. London, 1815, page 143).[115]See Section III below.[116]Journal of a Mission, &c., 144, and following pages.[117]I have already called the reader’s attention to the fact that M. Walckenaer had carried this position at least two degrees farther west than the old maps. Subsequent observations, which I have employed myself in collecting, have proved that a change in this direction was necessary. To judge of its extent it was essential to have good observations taken at Galam, (or at Bakel), as well as a new itinerary between Senegambia and the Dhioliba. It is on these more accurate data that I have endeavoured to work.[118]On occasion of the rains, the useful assistance he derived from his English umbrella may be remarked, not only for the shelter it afforded him, but for the importance which the natives attached to it, the admiration it produced, and the advantage he derived from that admiration. This narrative shews that this is one of the portable articles which Europeans would be most certain of exporting with success to Africa.[119]The Marabouts write this word عَراَوَان[120]See the description of this city in Mr. Jackson’s work, quoted above, and that of Timbuctoo, in the Travels of Robert Adams and of Riley, in Leo Africanus, and in theRecherchesof M. Walckenaer, &c.[121]The king of Tombuto, according to Leo, had three thousand horsemen under his command, and an almost innumerable multitude of archers. One very remarkable circumstance is that fire destroyed, according to this author, (if we readoppidi pars)almost half the city in the space of five hours. Leo’s recital is the most important, and perhaps the most authentic, of any we have hitherto possessed. These motives induce me to place it entire before the reader, in order that he may compare it with the new narrative. I shall quote the Latin version made from the Italian of Leo (2nd edition), though it is not quite so accurate as might be wished: it is well known that Leo wrote it originally in Arabic. See Joannis Leonis Africani de totius Africæ Descriptione lib, Tiguri, 1559. 431 and following pages.TUMBUTUM REGNUM.Hujus regni nomen nostris ferè temporibus ab ejusdem nominis oppido desumptum volunt, cujus conditorem fuisse dicunt quemdam Mensè-Suleiman, hegiræ anno sexcentesimo decimo: in duodecimo milliario à quodam fluviolo situm fuit,quodè Nigro flumine effluebat; cujus domus omnes in tuguriola cretacea[A]stramineis tectis sunt mutatæ. Visitur tamen elegantissimum quoddam templum, cujus murus ex lapidibus atque calce vivo est fabricatus: deindè et palatium quoddam regium à quodam Granatæ viro artificiosissimo conditum. Frequentissimæ hìc sunt artificum, mercatorum, præcipuè autem telæ atque gossypii textorum, officinæ. Hùc mercatores barbari pannum ex Europâ afferunt. Hujus quoque regionis mulieres faciem tegunt, ancillis tamen exceptis, iisque quæ omnia ad victum necessaria vendunt. Incolæ, ac inter hos exteri præsertim, sunt ditissimi, adeò ut qui jam regem agit, utramque filiam duobus mercatoribus ditissimis in uxores dederit. Frequentissimi hìc putei, qui aquam præbent dulcissimam; ac quoties Niger flumen excrescit, ejus aquam ductibus quibusdam in urbem trahunt. Regio est frumentis, pecudibus, lacte atque butyro copiosissima: salis verò summa est penuria; hùc enim à Tegasa, quod oppidum in quingentesimo abest milliario, adferri solet. Ego cùm hìc essem, vidi salis sarcinam unam, quantùm camelus ferre potuit, octoginta emi aureis. Tumbuti rex opulentissimus bracteas aliquot atque sceptra habet, quorum nonnulla mille et trecentarum sunt librarum. Magnificam optimèque instructam alit aulam: quoties aliquò proficiscitur, camelo insidet, qui à nobilibus duci solet; idem evenit quoties ad bellum proficiscitur; milites verò omnes equites sunt. Hunc si quis regem alloqui velit, ad pedes primùm procidit, deindè terram sumens in caput atque humeros sternit: soletque hic fère mos ab illis servari, qui nunquam anteà regi sunt locuti, aut qui ab alio principe hùc legati sunt missi. Equitum semper tria millia habet, pedites propemodùm innumeros, qui arcubus sagittas emittunt veneno infectas. Frequentissimè cum his belligerantur, qui tributum persolvere recusant, et quotquot prælio capere possunt, Tumbuti mercatoribus vendunt. Magna hìc est equorum paucitas; mercatores atque aulici pusillos quosdam alunt, quibus in itinere peragendo uti solent; præstantissimi autem equi à Barbaria adducuntur; Rex verò simul atque audit mercatores cum equis appulisse, mox numerum sibi adferri jubet, deindè omnium præstantissimum sibi deligit, pretiumque liberalissime persolvit. Judæis omnibus adeò se hostem atrocem præbet, ut nullos omninò in ea civitate admittat: si quos Barbaros aliquid cum Judæis commercii habere intelligit, statim illorum bona proscribere jubet. Magna hìc est judicum, doctorum, sacerdotum, atque virorum doctissimorum, copia, qui liberalissimis regiis aluntur stipendiis. Infiniti hìc libri manuscripti ex Barbaria adferuntur; è quibus multò plures pecuniæ quàm ex reliquiis omnibus mercibus colliguntur. Horum moneta aurea est, nullis figuris insignita: in rebus autem minutioribus cochleis quibusdam utuntur quæ hùc ex Persarum regione convehi solent, harum quadringentæ aureo æquivalent: aureorum autem sex, cum duabus unius aurei tertiis, unciam unam pendent. Homines naturâ sunt mites atque placidi; à vigesimâ quartâ in primam usque noctis horam cantando atque saltando omnes ferè civitatis partes ambiunt. Mancipia utriusque sexûs quàm plurima alunt: estque oppidum ignis injuriæ maximè obnoxium; ubi jàm secundùm ad hos venissem dimidia ferèoppidapars quinque horarum spatio igne deleta fuit. Nullum in suburbio hortum aut fructibus consitum locum reperies.CABRA OPPIDUM.Cabra sic satis amplum absque muris ad pagi modum compositum oppidum, distat à Tumbuto ad flumen Nigrum in duodecimo ferè milliario; hìc mercatores ad Gineæ aut Melli regnum navigare cupientes, naves conscendunt. Hujus tàm cives quàm ædificia Tumbuti ædificiis atque civibus non admodùm sunt inferiora: hùc Nigritæ navigio undique confluere solent. In hac civitate Tumbuti rex judicem quemdam constituit, qui lites inter eos componeret: molestum enim erat toties in anno eam ob causam eò proficisci. Ego hìc regis fratrem Abu-Bacr, cognomine Pargama, novi hominem, colore quidem nigrum, cæterùm animo atque ingenio candidissimum. Frequentissimi hìc exoriuntur morbi, qui rempublicam mirum in modum minuunt. Idque propter ciborum ineptissimam commixtionem: pisces enim lacte, butyro atque carnibus commiscent; estque hic præcipuus ferè Tumbuti cibus.[A]These words are not a translation ofcapanne fatte di pali, coperte di creta, in the Italian text.[122]Recherches sur l’Afrique Sept. &c., page 184.[123]Recherches sur l’Afrique Sept. &c., page 184. It is true that this itinerary is less worthy of credit than that of Sheik Haggy-Cassem, translated by M. Delaporte, the date of which seems to be 1805, and which agrees on many points with M. Caillié. Those who have made this part of Africa the object of their studies will perceive some evident fiction in the former work.[124]From Tangier to Timbuctoo, 450 leagues in a direct line; from Timbuctoo to Bouré 200 leagues, total 650 leagues; with the return 1300. From St. Louis to Caignon 110 leagues; from Caignon to Bouré 120; total 230, and with the return 460: difference in a direct line, 420, and with the return 840.[125]See the French translation, by Messrs. Eyriès and de la Renaudière, tome II, supplement, pages 298, etc.[126]The English translation of this document has here joined the countries ofFouta-TorouandDarboz; the latter cannot be San-Salvador, as the translator imagines.[127]Similar instances have induced me long since to adopt thedhorghin transcribing several African names, particularly in the wordDhioliba, independently of the meaning of the wordDhioli, which the natives would probably write جلي.[128]I have however somewhere seen this name translated byBlack River; the Banimma is marked on the eastern side, as well as the Balio.[129]The Narrative of Travels and Discoveries in Northern and Central Africa, by Major Denham and C. H. Clapperton.London, 1826, page 109 of Clapperton’s journal.[130]I perceive also the name of Jerry amongst those of the districts subject to Mohammed-Labou: (Massina, Temboctou, Jerry) does this name stand for Jenné?[131]The comparison of these two African maps with the accounts of Isaaco and Amadi-Fatouma, Mungo Park’s guides, affords results not unworthy of attention: but I have not room to deduce them.[132]See “Quarterly Review.” See alsoRéflexions sur l’état des Connaissances relatives au Cours du Dhioliba, page 27.[133]Ibidem, page 25.[134]See above, Vol. I, the account of his first travels.[135]On the 8th of October he arrived in France, five months after his departure from Timbuctoo; from this time the period of his compulsory residence in Morocco must be deducted. The Geographical Society awarded to him its highest premium at its general meeting on the 26th of December 1828, only seven months after he quitted Timbuctoo.[136]It was during the dry season that the English travellers found it to be a hundred yards wide; but it is very broad at other times.[137]The late Malte-Brun adopted this opinion immediately after the publication of the English travels to Saccatoo.[138]SeeEphémérid. Géogr.for the year 1803.[139]Is it possible to quote this estimable traveller, who united so many extraordinary qualities, without offering a tribute of regret to his memory? His loss has deprived science of more than one discovery: all, however, has not perished with him; the account of his travels has been preserved; and it is to be hoped that it will speedily be published, with his maps and drawings.[140]SeeMémoire sur la Communication du Nil des Noirs avec le Nil d’Egypte, p. 9.[141]Funda appears to be less than a hundred leagues from the sea, measuring the distance by the current.[142]A Dissertation on the Course and probable Termination of the Niger, London, 1829.[143]M. Chauvet, however has just published a conjecture coinciding with several different accounts, and possessing the advantage of embracing the whole question of the rivers which traverse Northern Africa in every direction: his opinion is developed at great length, and I should here insist upon the merit of this explanation, had not the author prevented me, by quoting my opinion as an authority. (Revue Encycl.October 1829).[144]The numerals are the same as in Bambara.[145]I have added within parentheses the words given by Mungo Park to shew the frequent agreement between the two travellers, the differences arise from the diversity of the countries through which they travelled.It is to be regretted that travellers, when collecting the words of an unknown language, do not select peculiar and characteristic terms: it would be easier, by following this method of comparing the different idioms, to discover their family resemblance or their original dissimilarity. With this view, I have formed a rather extended specimen of a vocabulary principally for the use of travellers in Africa, with a methodic mode of interrogation (SeeAtlas Ethn. de M. Ad. Balbi, page xlviij).I have also formed a collection of vocabularies of more than thirty idioms of Northern Africa, which may serve as a second part of theVocabulaire des Voyageurs.—E. J.[146]Theris changed intolin this word and many others see below.—E. J.[147]The third numeral order of the Mandingoes, calledkemmé, and which answers to a hundred, is composed of only eight tens; so that our hundred is equal to their hundred and twenty, which they express bykemméni mouga (a hundredand twenty). Their hundred being only eighty, their thousand is equal to eight of our hundreds.[148]An opening in general. See the note, page384.[149]M. Caillié has observed that the wordmountainis expressed bykong. Mungo Park has taken a generic term for the name of a particular mountain; Park himself here confirms my observations, by giving the wordkonko. I may add that the term for head iskoungin Mandingo; and there is an analogy in the sense.—E. J.[150]This word also signifies mouth, no doubt because it expresses that which opens, the ear, the mouth, the door, or any other opening.[151]Thegu,gh, ordh, has here a guttural sound.[152]The ȷ̈ is used here, and in all the words that should have a strong guttural pronunciation; it is in the Spanishj, and the Arabic خ, kha.[153]Inta, in Arabic, thou.[154]Sosignifies village.[155]I do not know the name of that.[156]I have added between parentheses many words of the language spoken at Timbuctoo, according to Captain Lyon and Major Denham: these last are accompanied by the letter D.; it is remarkable that they are all confirmed by M. Caillié, and at the same time scarcely one of the others. The words given by Robert Adams to M. Dupuis are in the same predicament as those of Captain Lyon. This disagreement alone cannot prove the falsity of the travels of Adams; but it is at least well worthy of attention. See above Chap. 1. § 1.—E. J.[157]According to Bowdich.[158]A shell which passes for money.[159]This word is perhaps meat in Arabic, taken for the act of eating, in consequence of an error similar to that noticed at the word hand.[160]Orakhod. This is an Arabic word which signifies take; the motion of the hand has doubtless been taken for the hand itself.[161]The resemblance of this word toushti,to drinkcannot fail to be here remarked. Is it not the position of the hand in the act of drinking which has caused the confusion made by Capt. Lyon?—E. J.[162]This should, no doubt be the same word,tarnoortamo.[163]The English mile is intended; the traveller having, before he quitted Sierra-Leone, acquired the habit of estimating his march, in a given time, according to a space measured in English miles.All the other details of the route, and those which relate to the accidents of the soil, are noted in the journal of the travels to which it will be necessary to have recourse in order fully to understand the circumstances of the march.[164]Beyond Kera, the journeys were noted by hours, which have been here turned into miles at the rate of two miles an hour. The night marches, directed by the true north are summarily mentioned in the column of observations.[165]This is the mosque called in the description the Western Mosque, and which is situated to the W. S. W. of the town.[166]My learned friend M. Delile, author of theFlore d’Egypte, considers this tree as theperseaof the ancients; but this opinion is disputed.[167]See “Réflexions sur l’état des Connoissances relatives au Dhioliba,” page 25.[168]M. Caillié has brought away some seeds and fragments of gramineous and leguminous plants, collected between Timé and Djenné, and on the banks of the Dhioliba, now deposited at the vice-consulate of Tangier, with some white stone from the wells of El-Araouan, some minerals, and the plummet of which I have spoken.[169]Descript. Afric.&c. page 429, Tigur. 1559.[170]Consult the interesting work entitledNaufrage du brig français la Sophie, par M. Charles Cochelet, (Paris, 1821, in 8vo) where the author affirms that Sidi-Hamet did not visit Timbuctoo, and raises doubts upon the travels of Adams. (Tom. 2, chap. XV.)[171]M. Jomard’s share in the publication is confined to the itinerary, the maps and the geographical discussions, the division, and the general superintendence of the work.[172]It is the line which Watt and Winterbottom took in 1794.[173]He passed considerably to the east of these towns.[174]See the report page451.

[1]These planks are sawed; of this, at least, I think I am certain. The natives are indebted to the Moors for the knowledge of the saw. Wood is so scarce in this country that it is necessary to make a tree produce as many planks as possible.

[2]An abbreviation of Moubark.

[3]This custom also prevails on the Senegal.

[4]The wordNileis generic, as are also the termsBahr’Bâ,Kouara, and many similar names.

[5]Like the shields of the ancient Egyptians.

[6]When I wrote in the desert, I sat down and placed on my knees some leaves of the Koran, which I was supposed to be copying and studying. See plate 3.

[7]Of about two feet.

[8]See plates 4 and 5.

[9]See plate 3.

[10]See plate 6.

[11]I have already observed that Nile is a generic term and does not necessarily apply to the Egyptian river.

[12]Wooden locks and keys are also used in Egypt and Nubia.

[13]See the plan of a private house. Plate 5, Figs. 4. 5.

[14]It is doubtful whether the English traveller would have expressed himself in this manner.

[15]The value of the gold mitkhal is about twelve francs, and the silver mitkhal about four.

[16]It was the Moors of the tribe of Zawât, who assassinated Major Laing.

[17]The Hoden of the maps.

[18]Hedysarum alhagi.

[19]The Guigo without doubt.

[20]A kind of inn.

[21]Felous is a generic word signifying coined money. At Fez this name is also given to a copper coin resembling theguof Egypt.

[22]This is the river which on the maps is called Sebou, and into which the sea ascends.

[23]M. Amédée Jaubert has already presented to the Geographical Society a translation of thefirst climateof the geography of el-Edricy, from the manuscript which he has discovered: the entire work will be printed in the collection of this society’s memoirs. The Rev. M. Renouard is also preparing in London, a translation of another inedited manuscript of the same geographer.

[24]SeeGeogr. Nubiens, by Gabriel Sionit., p. 7, 9, Paris, 1619, in-4to, and Hartmann,Edrisii Africa, p. 28 to 55 andpass. Gotting. 1795, 8vo.

[25]Agadez, according to M. Walckenaer. See his learnedRecherches géographiques sur l’Intérieur de l’Afrique Septentr.p. 11, in which work almost all the materials which should be consulted by those who are studying the history of African discoveries are quoted and collected.

[26]M. Walckenaer has already remarked that on the ancient map on wood in the King’s library (of the middle of the 14th century) Timbuctoo is indicated by the name of Tenbuch. Its foundation dated about a century and a half earlier.Rech. sur l’Afr. Septentr. &c., p. 14.

[27]Insula verò Ulil in mare sita est, etc.Geograph. Nubiensp. 7. Butbahrsignifies both river and sea.

[28]This same extract more complete has just been published in an English translation by Mr. S. Lee, under the title of Travels of Ibn Batuta, etc. London, 1829.—During my abode at Cairo, I heard mention of a complete manuscript, the work of Ben-Batouta, deposited in the library of the Mosque el-Azhar.

[29]Perhaps تغازي and not تغاري Teghary as read by Burckhardt, or Tegherry, which would conduct him to the centre of the kingdom of Fez: M. Kosegarten read تغازا and Mr. Lee ثغازي in one of the manuscripts.

[30]Oualet, according to M. Walckenaer.

[31]This opinion is adopted by M. Walckenaer (Recherches sur l’Afrique sept.&c. p. 32).

[32]According to the traveller Adrien Partarrieu, a man of colour, resident at Senegal, who was well acquainted with the languages both of Africa and Europe, and capable of making good geographical observations.

[33]SeeHistoire complète des Voyages et Découvertes en Afrique, by Dr. Leyden, and H. Murray, French translation, vol. 3, page 173 and the following.

[34]The position of Timbo should first be corrected from the observations of Major Laing.

[35]It has already been remarked (if an author may be permitted to quote himself) in theRéflexions sur l’état des connaissances relatives au cours du Dhiolibâ(page 23) that the catastrophe appears to have occurred about the 4th of January 1806. He set out from Sansanding about the 19th of November, his voyage therefore could only have lasted about forty seven days.

[36]Compare the map of Park’s second journey, in the “Journal of a Mission to the Interior of Africa,” etc. London, 1815.

[37]Otherwise Benjamin Rose.

[38]Nouveau Voyage dans l’Intérieur de l’Afrique, fait en 1820, etc. translated from the English by the Chevalier de Frasans, Paris, 1817.

[39]Such a change cannot have taken place in eighteen years.

[40]See plate 6, in this volume, and the explanation.

[41]See below, Chapter II, andNouveau Voyage, &c. p. 79.

[42]It has been already observed, that he gave five Arabic words, as those of Timbuctoo.Nouveau Voyage, page 175.

[43]The substitution of Bahr zahara (river of the desert) for Marzarah, as proposed by M. Dupuis, appears improbable. SeeRel. d’Adams, page 136.

[44]See below, page 217, the analysis of the general map, § II, Art. 3.

[45]See further on for what relates to the basins of the different rivers.

[46]From this lofty range the Rio-Grande and the rivers of the Timannie flow to the west and south-west; the Gambia, the Falemé, the Bâfing or Senegal, to the north; and the Dhioliba and its tributaries, to the east. It is probably connected with the mountains vulgarly calledKong, a word the true signification of which ismountain.

[47]Several points however of these narratives, which I cannot here pretend to reconcile, yet remain to be elucidated.

[48]See theVoyage dans l’Afrique occidentale de 1818 à 1821, by Major William Gray, and the late Surgeon Dochard, Paris, 1826, translated by Mme. Ch. Huguet. Every one is acquainted with the unhappy issue of this mission, during which, however, interesting observations were made, equally worthy the attention of geographers and of philanthropists.

[49]See on this subject, theNouvelle Histoire générale des voyages, &c. published by M. Walckenaer.

[50]See below, Art. 3, remarks on the extent of an hour’s and a day’s journey in Northern Africa.

[51]Ninety-six days exclusive of those of rest.

[52]The two days’ journey in a mountainous country must necessarily be valued at less than eighteen geographical miles each.

[53]See amongst othersLa Sénégambie pour servir à la nouvelle Histoire générale des Voyages de M. Walckenaer &c.par M. Dufour, 1828.

[54]It appears to me that M. Dufour, in his estimable work on Senegambia, restricts himself too scrupulously to the details of M. Mollien’s route, which nevertheless are very valuable.

[55]The Mandingoes place the Couranco, where Major Laing places the Soulimana, that is to say they prolong the Couranco to the N. W., towards the sources of the Dhioliba.

[56]All the rivulets near Kakondy nevertheless flow to the north into the Rio-Nuñez; but their course is short; perhaps also, some of the succeeding ones fall into the Rio-Grande.

[57]Sami to the west of Sego, 13° 17’ north, second journey of Mungo Park,Journal of a Mission, &c. London, 1815, page 149 and 150.

[58]It is nearly due N. E.

[59]See, farther on, the tracing of the course of the river.

[60]It is the same with that from Djenné to Timbuctoo.

[61]M. Walckenaer, as I have elsewhere said, was among the first to acknowledge the necessity of this alteration. SeeRecherches, &c. See also Vol. II, of theMémoires de la Société de Géographie, and itsBulletinorRecueil périodique.

[62]The journal shows four days’ distance; these must be days of twelve leagues: there are actually eight ordinary days’ journeys with the windings.

[63]See § V below.

[64]See § V. farther on.

[65]See Art. 3.

[66]See pages457and464.

[67]In the map which accompanies his work, M. Walckenaer places Tafilet about 5° east of Morocco; but M. Lapie, in the map to M. Cochelet’s travels makes it only 3 degrees and a half distant. This is also the difference of longitude which results from the route of M. Caillié as traced by me, the positions of Morocco and Fez being moreover precisly known. The whole eastern part however of the empire of Morocco presents difficulties and uncertainties, which cause the necessity of new observations to be sensibly felt.

[68]May not the too great remoteness of Tafilet from Fez arise from the custom of which I have spoken, which always exaggerates itinerary distances?

[69]May not the wordbeheimwhich in Arabic signifies cattle be here mistaken for the name of a place?

[70]About 300 miles south of Nun, 500 north of Tumbut, and 100 from the Ocean: it is evident that no point can fulfil all these conditions.

[71]Perhaps el-Quebly ال قبلي improperly pronounced; this word, signifyingwhich is to the south, should, it is probable, be erased front the maps.

[72]For caravans moderately laden, see observations below.

[73]Toudeyni is at the distance of one day’s journey.

[74]There is reason to believe that the caravan rested several times during marches of more than twelve hours.

[75]El-Yabo a Berber town, is one day’s journey N. W. of Zenatyia.

[76]Afilé is near this place.

[77]I am not speaking of points more or less in the neighbourhood of the route, as Labé, or of the first part of the course of the Dhioliba.

[78]The lengths of the style and of the shadow were taken with cords, which have been brought back to France, and which I have measured with the utmost possible care, comparing them with a good copper metre.The style was a very straight stick, placed quite vertically, by means of a plummet, which the traveller brought away with him, and which is deposited at the vice-consulate at Tangier, in the hands of M. Delaporte.

The style was a very straight stick, placed quite vertically, by means of a plummet, which the traveller brought away with him, and which is deposited at the vice-consulate at Tangier, in the hands of M. Delaporte.

[79]I am indebted for this calculation, and for the following obliging notice to Lieut. Col. Corabœuf, of the corps of royal geographical engineers.Zenithal distance of the superior edge of ⊙22°22’Semi-diameter of ⊙0°16’22°38’Southern declination of ⊙13°38’North latitude90

[79]I am indebted for this calculation, and for the following obliging notice to Lieut. Col. Corabœuf, of the corps of royal geographical engineers.

[80]Two thousand, eight hundred and forty nine miles and a quarter.

[81]I say nothing of the false information, which the natives, and especially the Moors, have wilfully given to Europeans, to keep them away from the centre of Africa; some out of fanaticism, others for fear of losing the advantages of commerce.

[82]Zenithal distance of the superior edge of ⊙2°26’Semidiameter of ⊙0°16’242Northern declination of ⊙159’North latitude1751I must not conceal the fact that M. Caillié made four similar observations in different places, which are too inconsistent with the itinerary to be made any use of.

[82]

I must not conceal the fact that M. Caillié made four similar observations in different places, which are too inconsistent with the itinerary to be made any use of.

[83]I have formerly given a rather remarkable example of an analogous application, in the height of the great pyramid of Memphis, measured by the assistance of mathematical instruments, and afterwards by the addition of the partial measures of the degrees, worked by imperfect processes. The results differ very little, but the number of the partial measures was 203.

[84]The latitude as determined by M. Walckenaer approaches very near to this result.

[85]See the Bulletin of the Geographical Society, the second volume of its memoirs, and the map of the Course of the Gambia beyond Coussaye etc.

[86]“An Account of the Empire of Morocco,” p. 240.

[87]In his letter dated from Timbuctoo, Major Laing speaks of a distance of fifteen days’ journeys between Sego and Timbuctoo; I find upon the map about three hundred and fifty-four miles in a direct line; the days’ journeys are of twenty four miles, or those of a light caravan.

[88]The Journal of a Mission to the Interior of Africa, &c. p. 164.

[89]A Chart of the River Gambia, &c.

[90]Annales Maritimesfor the year 1827, second part, vol. ii, p. 276.

[91]Ann. Marit.for the year 1828; second part, vol. i, pages 933 and 941.

[92]The Journal, &c. p. 21.

[93]M. de Beaufort has made, at Senegal, two observations which differ from the above by more than 5°, and others which exceed from 2 to 5 degrees: this variation is, no doubt, owing to local circumstances.

[94]The journeys of the subsequent days were shorter.

[95]It is the same with the route from Timbuctoo to Arbate.

[96]Impatience to arrive, and above all, the imperious necessity of reaching the wells, sufficiently account for these long journeys through the desert.

[97]Recherches sur l’Afrique septentrionale, &c., page 266.

[98]After all deductions.

[99]Or from 24 to 26, on account of a ten hours’ march of two miles and six-tenths an hour.

[100]The learned M. Eyriès in hisGeographical Observationson the discoveries of M. Mollien, confines the day’s journey to five leagues, or twelve geographical miles; this estimate applies only to certain cases, for example the long extended journeys of pedestrians, but not to the days’ journeys of ordinary caravans.

[101]Carte générale des Etats du Nord de l’Afrique, &c.

[102]The data and calculations exhibited above, being the basis upon which I have reduced the itinerary map and used it for the general map, it is superfluous here to explain more at length the necessary differences between the two; but I have considered it equally my duty to give the first without modification, that is to say constructed solely upon the estimate of the journeys. I shall here give the general result of M. Caillié’s days’ journeys, which, as a whole, deserve attention for their continuity and extent.JOURNEYSNumber of days of actual travel.Number of hours of travel.Estimated number of English miles.Number of hours journey daily.Estimated number of English miles.Number of geographical miles.per hour.per day.per hour.per day.From Kakondy to Timé48176½529¼3,7311,02,149,43„ Timé to Galia621484442,437,22,146,17„ Galia to Timbuctoo by water26262524102201,4317,2„ Timbuctoo to Fez6763012609,3218,81,4316,1„ Fez to Arbate4459011,2222,51,4319,3Totals2071261½2849¼„„„„„Progress of caravans heavily laden, by the hour in geographical miles: from 1⁹⁄₂₀ to 1½„ moderately laden, by the hour in ditto. .from 2 to ³⁄₂₀

[103]See Chapter 3.

[104]See Chapter 2 below.

[105]Couaraba, orRiver-River; thus the Africans call the NileBa-ba.

[106]See below § V.

[107]“This place,” says Leo, “is a very abundant mine of salt, whiter than marble, at the distance of about twenty days’ journey from any inhabited spot, and having wells of very salt water only.” The author does not give its exact situation. SeeDescrip. Africæ, 1. 6, p. 425, Figur. 1559.

[108]I apprehend this word to be corrupted by the Europeans because Kount, the same perhaps as Kant, is actually the name of a tribe of the Sahara, according to M. Caillié’s Itinerary.

[109]Perhaps a different place from Walet, as I have conjectured above.

[110]When properly written, I do not think that this word contains a يye. We may be satisfied, however, with the orthography تمبكتُ Temboctou, and the word is perhaps composed of the Berber particleteorta, as Tamaroc, Takant, Tarekne, T-rarzas, T-razah, etc., and ofm-boctou, formed like M-dayara. I know that Ben Batouta writes Tenboctou, تنبكتوا The only doubt remaining is relative to the use of themorn. SeeThe Travels of Ibn Batouta, English translation by Mr. Lee, London 1829, p. 237.

[111]See in § V further on, several remarks upon the nomenclature.

[112]On the left bank the Tankisso, and several others; on the right bank the Couaraba, the Bagoé, &c.

[113]Volume II of the Memoirs of the Geographical Society, page 54.

[114]Speaking of the sight of the river, which he obtained from the heights of Toniba, at four leagues distance, Park exclaims: “I once more saw the Niger rolling its immense stream along the plain.” (The Journal of a Mission, &c. London, 1815, page 143).

[115]See Section III below.

[116]Journal of a Mission, &c., 144, and following pages.

[117]I have already called the reader’s attention to the fact that M. Walckenaer had carried this position at least two degrees farther west than the old maps. Subsequent observations, which I have employed myself in collecting, have proved that a change in this direction was necessary. To judge of its extent it was essential to have good observations taken at Galam, (or at Bakel), as well as a new itinerary between Senegambia and the Dhioliba. It is on these more accurate data that I have endeavoured to work.

[118]On occasion of the rains, the useful assistance he derived from his English umbrella may be remarked, not only for the shelter it afforded him, but for the importance which the natives attached to it, the admiration it produced, and the advantage he derived from that admiration. This narrative shews that this is one of the portable articles which Europeans would be most certain of exporting with success to Africa.

[119]The Marabouts write this word عَراَوَان

[120]See the description of this city in Mr. Jackson’s work, quoted above, and that of Timbuctoo, in the Travels of Robert Adams and of Riley, in Leo Africanus, and in theRecherchesof M. Walckenaer, &c.

[121]The king of Tombuto, according to Leo, had three thousand horsemen under his command, and an almost innumerable multitude of archers. One very remarkable circumstance is that fire destroyed, according to this author, (if we readoppidi pars)almost half the city in the space of five hours. Leo’s recital is the most important, and perhaps the most authentic, of any we have hitherto possessed. These motives induce me to place it entire before the reader, in order that he may compare it with the new narrative. I shall quote the Latin version made from the Italian of Leo (2nd edition), though it is not quite so accurate as might be wished: it is well known that Leo wrote it originally in Arabic. See Joannis Leonis Africani de totius Africæ Descriptione lib, Tiguri, 1559. 431 and following pages.TUMBUTUM REGNUM.Hujus regni nomen nostris ferè temporibus ab ejusdem nominis oppido desumptum volunt, cujus conditorem fuisse dicunt quemdam Mensè-Suleiman, hegiræ anno sexcentesimo decimo: in duodecimo milliario à quodam fluviolo situm fuit,quodè Nigro flumine effluebat; cujus domus omnes in tuguriola cretacea[A]stramineis tectis sunt mutatæ. Visitur tamen elegantissimum quoddam templum, cujus murus ex lapidibus atque calce vivo est fabricatus: deindè et palatium quoddam regium à quodam Granatæ viro artificiosissimo conditum. Frequentissimæ hìc sunt artificum, mercatorum, præcipuè autem telæ atque gossypii textorum, officinæ. Hùc mercatores barbari pannum ex Europâ afferunt. Hujus quoque regionis mulieres faciem tegunt, ancillis tamen exceptis, iisque quæ omnia ad victum necessaria vendunt. Incolæ, ac inter hos exteri præsertim, sunt ditissimi, adeò ut qui jam regem agit, utramque filiam duobus mercatoribus ditissimis in uxores dederit. Frequentissimi hìc putei, qui aquam præbent dulcissimam; ac quoties Niger flumen excrescit, ejus aquam ductibus quibusdam in urbem trahunt. Regio est frumentis, pecudibus, lacte atque butyro copiosissima: salis verò summa est penuria; hùc enim à Tegasa, quod oppidum in quingentesimo abest milliario, adferri solet. Ego cùm hìc essem, vidi salis sarcinam unam, quantùm camelus ferre potuit, octoginta emi aureis. Tumbuti rex opulentissimus bracteas aliquot atque sceptra habet, quorum nonnulla mille et trecentarum sunt librarum. Magnificam optimèque instructam alit aulam: quoties aliquò proficiscitur, camelo insidet, qui à nobilibus duci solet; idem evenit quoties ad bellum proficiscitur; milites verò omnes equites sunt. Hunc si quis regem alloqui velit, ad pedes primùm procidit, deindè terram sumens in caput atque humeros sternit: soletque hic fère mos ab illis servari, qui nunquam anteà regi sunt locuti, aut qui ab alio principe hùc legati sunt missi. Equitum semper tria millia habet, pedites propemodùm innumeros, qui arcubus sagittas emittunt veneno infectas. Frequentissimè cum his belligerantur, qui tributum persolvere recusant, et quotquot prælio capere possunt, Tumbuti mercatoribus vendunt. Magna hìc est equorum paucitas; mercatores atque aulici pusillos quosdam alunt, quibus in itinere peragendo uti solent; præstantissimi autem equi à Barbaria adducuntur; Rex verò simul atque audit mercatores cum equis appulisse, mox numerum sibi adferri jubet, deindè omnium præstantissimum sibi deligit, pretiumque liberalissime persolvit. Judæis omnibus adeò se hostem atrocem præbet, ut nullos omninò in ea civitate admittat: si quos Barbaros aliquid cum Judæis commercii habere intelligit, statim illorum bona proscribere jubet. Magna hìc est judicum, doctorum, sacerdotum, atque virorum doctissimorum, copia, qui liberalissimis regiis aluntur stipendiis. Infiniti hìc libri manuscripti ex Barbaria adferuntur; è quibus multò plures pecuniæ quàm ex reliquiis omnibus mercibus colliguntur. Horum moneta aurea est, nullis figuris insignita: in rebus autem minutioribus cochleis quibusdam utuntur quæ hùc ex Persarum regione convehi solent, harum quadringentæ aureo æquivalent: aureorum autem sex, cum duabus unius aurei tertiis, unciam unam pendent. Homines naturâ sunt mites atque placidi; à vigesimâ quartâ in primam usque noctis horam cantando atque saltando omnes ferè civitatis partes ambiunt. Mancipia utriusque sexûs quàm plurima alunt: estque oppidum ignis injuriæ maximè obnoxium; ubi jàm secundùm ad hos venissem dimidia ferèoppidapars quinque horarum spatio igne deleta fuit. Nullum in suburbio hortum aut fructibus consitum locum reperies.CABRA OPPIDUM.Cabra sic satis amplum absque muris ad pagi modum compositum oppidum, distat à Tumbuto ad flumen Nigrum in duodecimo ferè milliario; hìc mercatores ad Gineæ aut Melli regnum navigare cupientes, naves conscendunt. Hujus tàm cives quàm ædificia Tumbuti ædificiis atque civibus non admodùm sunt inferiora: hùc Nigritæ navigio undique confluere solent. In hac civitate Tumbuti rex judicem quemdam constituit, qui lites inter eos componeret: molestum enim erat toties in anno eam ob causam eò proficisci. Ego hìc regis fratrem Abu-Bacr, cognomine Pargama, novi hominem, colore quidem nigrum, cæterùm animo atque ingenio candidissimum. Frequentissimi hìc exoriuntur morbi, qui rempublicam mirum in modum minuunt. Idque propter ciborum ineptissimam commixtionem: pisces enim lacte, butyro atque carnibus commiscent; estque hic præcipuus ferè Tumbuti cibus.

TUMBUTUM REGNUM.Hujus regni nomen nostris ferè temporibus ab ejusdem nominis oppido desumptum volunt, cujus conditorem fuisse dicunt quemdam Mensè-Suleiman, hegiræ anno sexcentesimo decimo: in duodecimo milliario à quodam fluviolo situm fuit,quodè Nigro flumine effluebat; cujus domus omnes in tuguriola cretacea[A]stramineis tectis sunt mutatæ. Visitur tamen elegantissimum quoddam templum, cujus murus ex lapidibus atque calce vivo est fabricatus: deindè et palatium quoddam regium à quodam Granatæ viro artificiosissimo conditum. Frequentissimæ hìc sunt artificum, mercatorum, præcipuè autem telæ atque gossypii textorum, officinæ. Hùc mercatores barbari pannum ex Europâ afferunt. Hujus quoque regionis mulieres faciem tegunt, ancillis tamen exceptis, iisque quæ omnia ad victum necessaria vendunt. Incolæ, ac inter hos exteri præsertim, sunt ditissimi, adeò ut qui jam regem agit, utramque filiam duobus mercatoribus ditissimis in uxores dederit. Frequentissimi hìc putei, qui aquam præbent dulcissimam; ac quoties Niger flumen excrescit, ejus aquam ductibus quibusdam in urbem trahunt. Regio est frumentis, pecudibus, lacte atque butyro copiosissima: salis verò summa est penuria; hùc enim à Tegasa, quod oppidum in quingentesimo abest milliario, adferri solet. Ego cùm hìc essem, vidi salis sarcinam unam, quantùm camelus ferre potuit, octoginta emi aureis. Tumbuti rex opulentissimus bracteas aliquot atque sceptra habet, quorum nonnulla mille et trecentarum sunt librarum. Magnificam optimèque instructam alit aulam: quoties aliquò proficiscitur, camelo insidet, qui à nobilibus duci solet; idem evenit quoties ad bellum proficiscitur; milites verò omnes equites sunt. Hunc si quis regem alloqui velit, ad pedes primùm procidit, deindè terram sumens in caput atque humeros sternit: soletque hic fère mos ab illis servari, qui nunquam anteà regi sunt locuti, aut qui ab alio principe hùc legati sunt missi. Equitum semper tria millia habet, pedites propemodùm innumeros, qui arcubus sagittas emittunt veneno infectas. Frequentissimè cum his belligerantur, qui tributum persolvere recusant, et quotquot prælio capere possunt, Tumbuti mercatoribus vendunt. Magna hìc est equorum paucitas; mercatores atque aulici pusillos quosdam alunt, quibus in itinere peragendo uti solent; præstantissimi autem equi à Barbaria adducuntur; Rex verò simul atque audit mercatores cum equis appulisse, mox numerum sibi adferri jubet, deindè omnium præstantissimum sibi deligit, pretiumque liberalissime persolvit. Judæis omnibus adeò se hostem atrocem præbet, ut nullos omninò in ea civitate admittat: si quos Barbaros aliquid cum Judæis commercii habere intelligit, statim illorum bona proscribere jubet. Magna hìc est judicum, doctorum, sacerdotum, atque virorum doctissimorum, copia, qui liberalissimis regiis aluntur stipendiis. Infiniti hìc libri manuscripti ex Barbaria adferuntur; è quibus multò plures pecuniæ quàm ex reliquiis omnibus mercibus colliguntur. Horum moneta aurea est, nullis figuris insignita: in rebus autem minutioribus cochleis quibusdam utuntur quæ hùc ex Persarum regione convehi solent, harum quadringentæ aureo æquivalent: aureorum autem sex, cum duabus unius aurei tertiis, unciam unam pendent. Homines naturâ sunt mites atque placidi; à vigesimâ quartâ in primam usque noctis horam cantando atque saltando omnes ferè civitatis partes ambiunt. Mancipia utriusque sexûs quàm plurima alunt: estque oppidum ignis injuriæ maximè obnoxium; ubi jàm secundùm ad hos venissem dimidia ferèoppidapars quinque horarum spatio igne deleta fuit. Nullum in suburbio hortum aut fructibus consitum locum reperies.CABRA OPPIDUM.Cabra sic satis amplum absque muris ad pagi modum compositum oppidum, distat à Tumbuto ad flumen Nigrum in duodecimo ferè milliario; hìc mercatores ad Gineæ aut Melli regnum navigare cupientes, naves conscendunt. Hujus tàm cives quàm ædificia Tumbuti ædificiis atque civibus non admodùm sunt inferiora: hùc Nigritæ navigio undique confluere solent. In hac civitate Tumbuti rex judicem quemdam constituit, qui lites inter eos componeret: molestum enim erat toties in anno eam ob causam eò proficisci. Ego hìc regis fratrem Abu-Bacr, cognomine Pargama, novi hominem, colore quidem nigrum, cæterùm animo atque ingenio candidissimum. Frequentissimi hìc exoriuntur morbi, qui rempublicam mirum in modum minuunt. Idque propter ciborum ineptissimam commixtionem: pisces enim lacte, butyro atque carnibus commiscent; estque hic præcipuus ferè Tumbuti cibus.

TUMBUTUM REGNUM.

Hujus regni nomen nostris ferè temporibus ab ejusdem nominis oppido desumptum volunt, cujus conditorem fuisse dicunt quemdam Mensè-Suleiman, hegiræ anno sexcentesimo decimo: in duodecimo milliario à quodam fluviolo situm fuit,quodè Nigro flumine effluebat; cujus domus omnes in tuguriola cretacea[A]stramineis tectis sunt mutatæ. Visitur tamen elegantissimum quoddam templum, cujus murus ex lapidibus atque calce vivo est fabricatus: deindè et palatium quoddam regium à quodam Granatæ viro artificiosissimo conditum. Frequentissimæ hìc sunt artificum, mercatorum, præcipuè autem telæ atque gossypii textorum, officinæ. Hùc mercatores barbari pannum ex Europâ afferunt. Hujus quoque regionis mulieres faciem tegunt, ancillis tamen exceptis, iisque quæ omnia ad victum necessaria vendunt. Incolæ, ac inter hos exteri præsertim, sunt ditissimi, adeò ut qui jam regem agit, utramque filiam duobus mercatoribus ditissimis in uxores dederit. Frequentissimi hìc putei, qui aquam præbent dulcissimam; ac quoties Niger flumen excrescit, ejus aquam ductibus quibusdam in urbem trahunt. Regio est frumentis, pecudibus, lacte atque butyro copiosissima: salis verò summa est penuria; hùc enim à Tegasa, quod oppidum in quingentesimo abest milliario, adferri solet. Ego cùm hìc essem, vidi salis sarcinam unam, quantùm camelus ferre potuit, octoginta emi aureis. Tumbuti rex opulentissimus bracteas aliquot atque sceptra habet, quorum nonnulla mille et trecentarum sunt librarum. Magnificam optimèque instructam alit aulam: quoties aliquò proficiscitur, camelo insidet, qui à nobilibus duci solet; idem evenit quoties ad bellum proficiscitur; milites verò omnes equites sunt. Hunc si quis regem alloqui velit, ad pedes primùm procidit, deindè terram sumens in caput atque humeros sternit: soletque hic fère mos ab illis servari, qui nunquam anteà regi sunt locuti, aut qui ab alio principe hùc legati sunt missi. Equitum semper tria millia habet, pedites propemodùm innumeros, qui arcubus sagittas emittunt veneno infectas. Frequentissimè cum his belligerantur, qui tributum persolvere recusant, et quotquot prælio capere possunt, Tumbuti mercatoribus vendunt. Magna hìc est equorum paucitas; mercatores atque aulici pusillos quosdam alunt, quibus in itinere peragendo uti solent; præstantissimi autem equi à Barbaria adducuntur; Rex verò simul atque audit mercatores cum equis appulisse, mox numerum sibi adferri jubet, deindè omnium præstantissimum sibi deligit, pretiumque liberalissime persolvit. Judæis omnibus adeò se hostem atrocem præbet, ut nullos omninò in ea civitate admittat: si quos Barbaros aliquid cum Judæis commercii habere intelligit, statim illorum bona proscribere jubet. Magna hìc est judicum, doctorum, sacerdotum, atque virorum doctissimorum, copia, qui liberalissimis regiis aluntur stipendiis. Infiniti hìc libri manuscripti ex Barbaria adferuntur; è quibus multò plures pecuniæ quàm ex reliquiis omnibus mercibus colliguntur. Horum moneta aurea est, nullis figuris insignita: in rebus autem minutioribus cochleis quibusdam utuntur quæ hùc ex Persarum regione convehi solent, harum quadringentæ aureo æquivalent: aureorum autem sex, cum duabus unius aurei tertiis, unciam unam pendent. Homines naturâ sunt mites atque placidi; à vigesimâ quartâ in primam usque noctis horam cantando atque saltando omnes ferè civitatis partes ambiunt. Mancipia utriusque sexûs quàm plurima alunt: estque oppidum ignis injuriæ maximè obnoxium; ubi jàm secundùm ad hos venissem dimidia ferèoppidapars quinque horarum spatio igne deleta fuit. Nullum in suburbio hortum aut fructibus consitum locum reperies.

CABRA OPPIDUM.

Cabra sic satis amplum absque muris ad pagi modum compositum oppidum, distat à Tumbuto ad flumen Nigrum in duodecimo ferè milliario; hìc mercatores ad Gineæ aut Melli regnum navigare cupientes, naves conscendunt. Hujus tàm cives quàm ædificia Tumbuti ædificiis atque civibus non admodùm sunt inferiora: hùc Nigritæ navigio undique confluere solent. In hac civitate Tumbuti rex judicem quemdam constituit, qui lites inter eos componeret: molestum enim erat toties in anno eam ob causam eò proficisci. Ego hìc regis fratrem Abu-Bacr, cognomine Pargama, novi hominem, colore quidem nigrum, cæterùm animo atque ingenio candidissimum. Frequentissimi hìc exoriuntur morbi, qui rempublicam mirum in modum minuunt. Idque propter ciborum ineptissimam commixtionem: pisces enim lacte, butyro atque carnibus commiscent; estque hic præcipuus ferè Tumbuti cibus.

[A]These words are not a translation ofcapanne fatte di pali, coperte di creta, in the Italian text.

[122]Recherches sur l’Afrique Sept. &c., page 184.

[123]Recherches sur l’Afrique Sept. &c., page 184. It is true that this itinerary is less worthy of credit than that of Sheik Haggy-Cassem, translated by M. Delaporte, the date of which seems to be 1805, and which agrees on many points with M. Caillié. Those who have made this part of Africa the object of their studies will perceive some evident fiction in the former work.

[124]From Tangier to Timbuctoo, 450 leagues in a direct line; from Timbuctoo to Bouré 200 leagues, total 650 leagues; with the return 1300. From St. Louis to Caignon 110 leagues; from Caignon to Bouré 120; total 230, and with the return 460: difference in a direct line, 420, and with the return 840.

[125]See the French translation, by Messrs. Eyriès and de la Renaudière, tome II, supplement, pages 298, etc.

[126]The English translation of this document has here joined the countries ofFouta-TorouandDarboz; the latter cannot be San-Salvador, as the translator imagines.

[127]Similar instances have induced me long since to adopt thedhorghin transcribing several African names, particularly in the wordDhioliba, independently of the meaning of the wordDhioli, which the natives would probably write جلي.

[128]I have however somewhere seen this name translated byBlack River; the Banimma is marked on the eastern side, as well as the Balio.

[129]The Narrative of Travels and Discoveries in Northern and Central Africa, by Major Denham and C. H. Clapperton.London, 1826, page 109 of Clapperton’s journal.

[130]I perceive also the name of Jerry amongst those of the districts subject to Mohammed-Labou: (Massina, Temboctou, Jerry) does this name stand for Jenné?

[131]The comparison of these two African maps with the accounts of Isaaco and Amadi-Fatouma, Mungo Park’s guides, affords results not unworthy of attention: but I have not room to deduce them.

[132]See “Quarterly Review.” See alsoRéflexions sur l’état des Connaissances relatives au Cours du Dhioliba, page 27.

[133]Ibidem, page 25.

[134]See above, Vol. I, the account of his first travels.

[135]On the 8th of October he arrived in France, five months after his departure from Timbuctoo; from this time the period of his compulsory residence in Morocco must be deducted. The Geographical Society awarded to him its highest premium at its general meeting on the 26th of December 1828, only seven months after he quitted Timbuctoo.

[136]It was during the dry season that the English travellers found it to be a hundred yards wide; but it is very broad at other times.

[137]The late Malte-Brun adopted this opinion immediately after the publication of the English travels to Saccatoo.

[138]SeeEphémérid. Géogr.for the year 1803.

[139]Is it possible to quote this estimable traveller, who united so many extraordinary qualities, without offering a tribute of regret to his memory? His loss has deprived science of more than one discovery: all, however, has not perished with him; the account of his travels has been preserved; and it is to be hoped that it will speedily be published, with his maps and drawings.

[140]SeeMémoire sur la Communication du Nil des Noirs avec le Nil d’Egypte, p. 9.

[141]Funda appears to be less than a hundred leagues from the sea, measuring the distance by the current.

[142]A Dissertation on the Course and probable Termination of the Niger, London, 1829.

[143]M. Chauvet, however has just published a conjecture coinciding with several different accounts, and possessing the advantage of embracing the whole question of the rivers which traverse Northern Africa in every direction: his opinion is developed at great length, and I should here insist upon the merit of this explanation, had not the author prevented me, by quoting my opinion as an authority. (Revue Encycl.October 1829).

[144]The numerals are the same as in Bambara.

[145]I have added within parentheses the words given by Mungo Park to shew the frequent agreement between the two travellers, the differences arise from the diversity of the countries through which they travelled.It is to be regretted that travellers, when collecting the words of an unknown language, do not select peculiar and characteristic terms: it would be easier, by following this method of comparing the different idioms, to discover their family resemblance or their original dissimilarity. With this view, I have formed a rather extended specimen of a vocabulary principally for the use of travellers in Africa, with a methodic mode of interrogation (SeeAtlas Ethn. de M. Ad. Balbi, page xlviij).I have also formed a collection of vocabularies of more than thirty idioms of Northern Africa, which may serve as a second part of theVocabulaire des Voyageurs.—E. J.

It is to be regretted that travellers, when collecting the words of an unknown language, do not select peculiar and characteristic terms: it would be easier, by following this method of comparing the different idioms, to discover their family resemblance or their original dissimilarity. With this view, I have formed a rather extended specimen of a vocabulary principally for the use of travellers in Africa, with a methodic mode of interrogation (SeeAtlas Ethn. de M. Ad. Balbi, page xlviij).

I have also formed a collection of vocabularies of more than thirty idioms of Northern Africa, which may serve as a second part of theVocabulaire des Voyageurs.—E. J.

[146]Theris changed intolin this word and many others see below.—E. J.

[147]The third numeral order of the Mandingoes, calledkemmé, and which answers to a hundred, is composed of only eight tens; so that our hundred is equal to their hundred and twenty, which they express bykemméni mouga (a hundredand twenty). Their hundred being only eighty, their thousand is equal to eight of our hundreds.

[148]An opening in general. See the note, page384.

[149]M. Caillié has observed that the wordmountainis expressed bykong. Mungo Park has taken a generic term for the name of a particular mountain; Park himself here confirms my observations, by giving the wordkonko. I may add that the term for head iskoungin Mandingo; and there is an analogy in the sense.—E. J.

[150]This word also signifies mouth, no doubt because it expresses that which opens, the ear, the mouth, the door, or any other opening.

[151]Thegu,gh, ordh, has here a guttural sound.

[152]The ȷ̈ is used here, and in all the words that should have a strong guttural pronunciation; it is in the Spanishj, and the Arabic خ, kha.

[153]Inta, in Arabic, thou.

[154]Sosignifies village.

[155]I do not know the name of that.

[156]I have added between parentheses many words of the language spoken at Timbuctoo, according to Captain Lyon and Major Denham: these last are accompanied by the letter D.; it is remarkable that they are all confirmed by M. Caillié, and at the same time scarcely one of the others. The words given by Robert Adams to M. Dupuis are in the same predicament as those of Captain Lyon. This disagreement alone cannot prove the falsity of the travels of Adams; but it is at least well worthy of attention. See above Chap. 1. § 1.—E. J.

[157]According to Bowdich.

[158]A shell which passes for money.

[159]This word is perhaps meat in Arabic, taken for the act of eating, in consequence of an error similar to that noticed at the word hand.

[160]Orakhod. This is an Arabic word which signifies take; the motion of the hand has doubtless been taken for the hand itself.

[161]The resemblance of this word toushti,to drinkcannot fail to be here remarked. Is it not the position of the hand in the act of drinking which has caused the confusion made by Capt. Lyon?—E. J.

[162]This should, no doubt be the same word,tarnoortamo.

[163]The English mile is intended; the traveller having, before he quitted Sierra-Leone, acquired the habit of estimating his march, in a given time, according to a space measured in English miles.All the other details of the route, and those which relate to the accidents of the soil, are noted in the journal of the travels to which it will be necessary to have recourse in order fully to understand the circumstances of the march.

[163]The English mile is intended; the traveller having, before he quitted Sierra-Leone, acquired the habit of estimating his march, in a given time, according to a space measured in English miles.

All the other details of the route, and those which relate to the accidents of the soil, are noted in the journal of the travels to which it will be necessary to have recourse in order fully to understand the circumstances of the march.

[164]Beyond Kera, the journeys were noted by hours, which have been here turned into miles at the rate of two miles an hour. The night marches, directed by the true north are summarily mentioned in the column of observations.

[165]This is the mosque called in the description the Western Mosque, and which is situated to the W. S. W. of the town.

[166]My learned friend M. Delile, author of theFlore d’Egypte, considers this tree as theperseaof the ancients; but this opinion is disputed.

[167]See “Réflexions sur l’état des Connoissances relatives au Dhioliba,” page 25.

[168]M. Caillié has brought away some seeds and fragments of gramineous and leguminous plants, collected between Timé and Djenné, and on the banks of the Dhioliba, now deposited at the vice-consulate of Tangier, with some white stone from the wells of El-Araouan, some minerals, and the plummet of which I have spoken.

[169]Descript. Afric.&c. page 429, Tigur. 1559.

[170]Consult the interesting work entitledNaufrage du brig français la Sophie, par M. Charles Cochelet, (Paris, 1821, in 8vo) where the author affirms that Sidi-Hamet did not visit Timbuctoo, and raises doubts upon the travels of Adams. (Tom. 2, chap. XV.)

[171]M. Jomard’s share in the publication is confined to the itinerary, the maps and the geographical discussions, the division, and the general superintendence of the work.

[172]It is the line which Watt and Winterbottom took in 1794.

[173]He passed considerably to the east of these towns.

[174]See the report page451.

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