332 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 
Chap. LXII. 
plate opposite) of the village, together with an ex- 
tensive pond from which the natives at this season of 
the year get their supply of water, and the pictu- 
resque castellated mountains of H6mbori in the back- 
ground. 
The place is populous, and inhabited by Songhay 
and Fiiibe conjointly, the latter of whom belong to 
the tribe called J ellobe, and are in possession of large 
herds of cattle and numerous flocks, while the na- 
tive Songhay seem to be poor and rather badly off. 
As strict Mohammedans they have the custom of 
wearing silver rings on their little finger, which they 
fancy obtains favour for them when saying their 
prayers. A good deal of industry was apparent ; but 
corn was very dear, although cheaper than it was said 
to be further on, where no corn was to be obtained 
except in Niiggera ; and I was glad to buy a small 
quantity of grain, the mudd for four dra of very 
broad cotton strips, while sixteen dra of Gando cotton 
strips were esteemed equal to ten dra of their own. 
Cowries, or " chede," had no currency here, except 
for buying sour milk, of which there was a good 
supply. On account of the numerous pools which 
surround the place, it was infested by mosquitoes, 
which deprived me of what was most valuable to me 
— a good night's rest. 
Tuesday, There were two roads before us through 
August 9th. ^ e unse ttled country to the north, where 
at present there are no towns, but only temporary 
encampments of the Tawarek or Imoshagh, who are 
