88 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. Chap. LV 
Tawarek hamlets appearing in the distance. Thus 
we reached a large well, about thirteen fathoms deep 
and richly provided with water, where a large herd 
of cattle and a number of Biizawe, or Tawarek half- 
castes, of both sexes, were assembled ; and I was 
agreeably surprised at the greater proof of ingenuity 
which I here observed — a young bull being employed 
in drawing up the water in a large leather bag con- 
taining a supply sufficient for two horses, — this being 
the only time during my travels in Negroland that I 
observed such a method of drawing up the water, 
which in general, even from the deepest wells, is 
procured by the labour of man alone. The young 
bull was led by a very pretty Amoshagh girl, to 
whom I made a present of a tin box with a looking- 
glass in it, as a reward for her trouble, when she did 
not fail to thank me by a courtesy, and the expres- 
sion of an amiable "agaisheka," " my best thanks." 
In the whole of this country a custom still prevails, 
dating from the period of the strength of the Bornu 
empire, to the effect that the horses of travellers 
must be watered, at any well, in precedence to the 
wants of the natives themselves.' 
The whole spectacle which this well exhibited was 
one of life and activity ; and the interest of the sce- 
nery was further increased by a dense grove of fine 
tamarind trees which spread out on the south side 
of the path. I learned, on inquiry, that this district 
belongs to the territory of Tumtumma, the governor 
of which is a vassal of Zinder. Close to Tumtumma, 
on the west, lies the considerable town of Gorgom. 
