Chap. LXI. DO'KE, CAPITAL OF LIBTA'KO. 287 
extreme drought and barrenness; and numerous flocks 
of gazelles (quite an unusual aspect to me in the 
populous districts of Negroland through which I had 
passed) were roving about over this immense plain, 
which was scarcely broken by a single tree, with the 
exception of a few stunted monkey-bread trees. In 
the distance, towards the south, two small eminences 
bounded the horizon. 
The remnant of a large herd of cattle, in a most 
emaciated condition, was scattered in the barren 
fields, licking the soil, which is here full of natron. 
The seed had already been sown, but the crops had 
scarcely started forth from the ground, and were 
languishing for want of rain. Huts were occasionally 
seen for the first mile or two, but being exposed to 
the full force of the sun, without affording the least 
shade, they presented rather a dismal aspect. But 
this immense plain, which at the present season was 
only very slightly broken, about halfway, by a shallow 
strip of green bordered by projecting granite boulders, 
supplies abundant food for a fine breed of horses, 
for which Libtako is remarkable. 
D6re is the chief place of the province of Libtako ; 
but its appearance caused us the utmost disap- 
pointment, presenting, as it did, unmistakable signs 
of misery and decay, the wall by which it had been 
formerly surrounded being nothing but a disgusting 
heap of rubbish, while the whole place exhibited the 
utmost neglect. But, through the kind interference 
of a messenger of Galaijo, who was most opportunely 
