A TREK THROUGH BORNU 245 



modern city that has obtained importance by the 

 action of the British Resident, who found it con- 

 venient that the Shehu (King) of Bornu should move 

 his court from the ancient capital, Kukaua, to the 

 neighbourhood of the adjacent fort at Maifoni. The 

 latter lies at one end of a ridge, along which are 

 other bungalows, for five white men are quartered 

 here — the Resident, his assistant, a doctor, and two 

 oflScers, one of whom is often away on service. 



Our native guide took us to the Assistant Resident's 

 house, who had been good enough to vacate it for our 

 accommodation. Naturally we did not like to put him 

 to this inconvenience, and sent next day to ask that 

 zana shelters should be erected for us beneath a big 

 tree a quarter of a mile from the fort, away in the 

 open plain. 



As near as may be, the rent (10s. for ten days' 

 occupation) was one-quarter of the purchase price of 

 the house, exclusive of the building fee of 10s., which 

 we paid in either case. I mention 

 this, as it was the one opportunity 

 we had of gauging house rents in 

 Africa. 



The Maiduguri market is large 

 and famous for its excellence, and 

 we can testify to its attractions, 

 for I alone bought over 200 objects, 

 and the Talbots many more besides. g^^^ 



It is laid out, as is the town, in 

 model style. Streets of stalls are arranged accord- 

 ing to trades, and are divided by broad walks — the 

 leather work in one place, saddlery in another, metal 

 in another, where spears and knives are turned out in 



