RESEARCH IN 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 country 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 Lorin 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 thig 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 South 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 higher still, in the upper 
reaches, are the numerous wild Batta tribes. 
IV. NARRATIVE. 
(4.) The River Niger 
During my tour in Nigeria, I 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. 
