PROCESS OF WEAVING. 113 



ed by one man, who has an instrument some- 

 thing like our shuttle, which he runs through 

 the threads perpendicularly, instead of horizon- 

 tally, as is the case with our weavers. The 

 widths are not more than three or four inches. 

 Their cotton is exceedingly fine, but I believe 

 there is but little of it cultivated. 



In passing through the streets, a native brought 

 a fine pelican for sale, of which I became the 

 purchaser. An ostrich's skin was likewise shown 

 me ; but it had worms in it, and was conse- 

 quently worthless. 



On my return through the town, I met the 

 old Mallam, to whom I have alluded above, lean- 

 ing on his staff like some hoary-headed pilgrim. 

 He invited me into his house, where I found six 

 of his wives counting cowries ; and after being 

 seated, he inquired of me the time of our de- 

 parture. I replied, in a day or two. At this 

 he expressed much regret, and said, that if we 

 would stay and live there, he would spend all 

 his cowries in trading with us. As a further 

 inducement, he promised that if I would re- 

 main, I might have any ten of his wives I 

 thought proper. This was, no doubt, as far as 

 he could go; but I told him that we never had 



VOL. II. I 



