GOVERNMENT OF RABBAH. 85 



nearly forty thousand, natives of Houssa, Yarriba, 

 Ibbodo, and the Nufie countries. Their reli- 

 gion is pagan and Mahomedan. The only 

 mosque which I saw at Rabbah (though I was 

 informed there were three others) was built in a 

 large square surrounded by a high wall : it is 

 partly covered over, and will contain about two 

 thousand persons. 



The Felatahs * of Rabbah subsist by plunder- 

 ing the weak towns and levying contributions on 

 them. Rabbah is governed by a king or chief, 

 and several elder Mallams : the principal are Mal- 

 1am Dendof (the present king's father), Marma- 

 doo, Moosa, and Mahomedoo. 



Before undertaking anything important or de- 

 claring war, the king is obliged to summon a 

 council of Mallams and the principal people. 

 When his people are successful, which is too 

 frequently the case, the spoils are divided ; the 

 king reserving to himself the greatest share. 



* The Felatahs are about five feet ten in height, very 

 straight and muscular. They have small heads and woolly 

 hair : I looked in vain for Felatahs with straight hair, but 

 I did not find one. Their complexion is a little brighter 

 than that of the natives of the neighbouring towns; they 

 have small noses, thin lips, rather a handsome mouth, and 

 an intelligent expression of countenance. 



t Since dead, as noticed in the iournal. 



