RESEARCH TN BRITISH WEST AFRICA. 315 



River. They are totally distinct from the negro type ; their features are well- 

 marked and fine, and they have a very light complexion, in consequence of which 

 the negroes themselves speak of them as " the yellow men." Over a hundred 

 years ago, this tribe conquered the greater portion of the northern states, Zaria, 

 Kano, Katsena, Bauchi and part of Bornu, so that at one time they might be 

 said to occupy the whole coimtry enclosed in the angle formed by the Niger and 

 Benue. They lead a wandering and pastoral life, grazing large herds and flocks, 

 and continually moving from place to place according to the nature of the feeding 

 grounds. They are closely connected with the Foulahs of the Gambia,* and the 

 two tribes have similar habits. 



The Yorubas inhabit nearly the whole of the Ilorin Province, and extend into 

 the Western Province of Southern Nigeria. They are an agricultural people, 

 and claim that all the pagan tribes in Hausa Land are descended from them. 



The people of Borgu are probably of Berber descent, and, as at present 

 constituted, are a very mixed tribe. 



The Yauris have their centre at Yelwa on the Niger, and are an agricultural 

 and pastoral people. 



Bornu was not associated with the old Hausa and Fulani States of the 

 Western Sudan, but may be considered a Central Sudan .State. The main 

 portion of the people came from the east of Lake Chad and expelled the Fulani, 

 who attempted to over-run this province. The present inhabitants of Bornu are 

 probably not aborigines, but a mixed tribe with an Arab ancestry. 



The Nupes are the descendants of a very powerful tribe which inhabited the 

 central portion of the colony, but which was over-run by the Hausas and 

 Fulanis. 



The Gwaris are a scattered race, living amongst the rocky hills and caves in 

 the country lying to the Sovith of Zaria (see p. 331). 



The Igbaras inhabit the country surrounding the confluence of the Benue and 

 the Niger, while further up the Benue are the Bassas on the right bank and the 

 Akpotos on the left, followed by the Aragos and the Munchis. These latter are 

 a very unapproachable and vindictive tribe, and their country is anything but 

 subdued, although recent expeditions have done much to open it up. Conse- 

 quently, very little is known of this part of the country. 



Further up the Benue lies the Jako country, while higlier still, in the upper 

 reaches, are the numerous wild Batta tribes. 



IV. Narrative. 

 («•) The River Niger 



During my tour in Nigeria, 1 traversed the whole of the Niger from its 

 mouth to Yelwa, a town not far from the point where the river enters British 

 territory, and the following notes are based on observations made at different 

 times. . Although various parts were traversed in different directions, sometimes 

 up-, sometimes down-stream, and some portions more than once, I have included 

 all records and observations in one general description, and have purposely made 



* Bull. Ent. Res., ii., pt. 3, p. 194. 



