AMUSEMENTS OF THE FELATAHS. 91 



for the Turks to attempt to defeat the Chris- 

 tians ; that he knew the power of the Nazarenes 

 (Christians) too well ; he had seen very large 

 ships at Trapelaz (Tripoli), belonging to the 

 King of the Nazarenes, on the becken-roa (salt 

 water), and our vessel, the Alburkah, was the 

 same as a needle to ships he had seen at that 

 place. The king's master of the horse and 

 several Mallams were present at this assertion 

 by Ali of the power of England, who raised their 

 eyes, exclaiming " Garsah!" (Wonderful !) 



Senna leaves are sold in great quantities, in 

 large calabashes, at the markets. I inquired 

 from the Arabs if there were any gums in the 

 country, at the same time showing them a piece 

 of gum acacia : they replied, *' Plenty to the 

 eastward." 



The Felatahs are fond of dancing and other 

 amusements, and, like all the Africans I have 

 met with, pass their nights at new and full moon 

 in this amusement : young females are particu- 

 larly partial to it. Their dancing movements 

 consist in forming themselves into a circle, and 

 advancing and retiring ; when one girl will break 

 the circle : at a given signal she advances, 

 and falls into the arms of several who stand 



