162 DENHAM AND CLAPPERTON. 



manner, spreading terror'and desolation over all the shore* 

 of this inland sea ; no part of which, even in the imme- 

 diate vicinity of the great capitals, is 'for a moment secure 

 from their ravages. The most powerful and 'warlike of the 

 Bornou sovereigns, finding among their subjects neither 

 the requisite skill nor experience in navigation, do not 

 attempt to cope with the Biddoomahs on their watery do- 

 mains ; and thus gave up the lake to their undisputed 

 sway. 



While Major Denham was thus traversing, in every di- 

 rection, Bornou and the surrounding countries, Mr. Clap- 

 perton and Dr. Oudney were proceeding through Houssa, 

 by a route less varied and hazardous indeed, but disclosing 

 forms both of nature and of society fully as interesting. 

 They departed from Kouka on the 14th December, 1823, 

 and, after passing the site of Old Bimie, they found the 

 banks of the Yeou fertile, and diversified with towns and 

 villages. On entering Katagum, the most easterly Fellata 

 province, they observed a superior style of culture ; two 

 crops of wheat being raised in one season by irrigation, and 

 the grain stored in covered sheds elevated from the ground 

 on posts. The country to the south was covered with ex- 

 tensive swamps and mountains, tenanted by rude and Pagan 

 races, who furnish to the faithful an inexhaustible supply 

 of slaves. The practice of travelling with a caravan was 

 found very advantageous, from the mutual help afforded, as 

 well as from the good reports spread by the merchants re- 

 specting their European companions. In Bornou these last 

 had been viewed with almost unmingled horror ; and, for 

 having eaten their ^ bread under the extremest necessity, a 

 man had his testimony rejected in a court of justice. Some 

 young Bomouese ladies, who accosted Major Denham, 

 having ventured to say a word in his favour, an attendant 

 matron exclaimed, — " Be silent ; he is an uncircumcised 

 Caffre, — neither washes nor prays, eats pork, and will go 

 to hell ;" upon which the others screamed out and ran off. 

 But in Houssa this horror was not so extreme, and was min 

 gled with the belief that they possessed surprising and su- 

 pernatural powers. Not only did the sick come in crowds 

 expecting the cure of every disease, but the ladies solicited 

 amulets to restore their beauty, to preserve the affections 

 of their lovers, and even to destroy a hated rival. The sop 



