Chap. XLII. 
di'kowa. 
131 
offered me a clear piece of delicious gum, just taken 
from the tree and full of sweet fluid ; in which state it 
is certainly a delicacy, and is so esteemed here as well 
as in Western Negroland. The encampment springing 
up gradually from the ground, with its variety 
of light dwellings built only for the moment — 
the multifarious appearance of armed people — the 
numbers of horses of all colours, some of the most 
exquisite beauty — the uninterrupted train of beasts 
of burden, camels, and pack-oxen, laden with the 
tents, furniture, and provisions, and mounted by the 
wives and concubines of the different chiefs, well 
dressed and veiled, — altogether presented a most in- 
teresting picture ; for now almost the whole host or 
"kebii," had collected, and twenty thousand men, with 
ten thousand horses, and at least as many beasts of 
burden, were no doubt assembled on this spot. 
At length our two tents also were pitched, and we 
could make ourselves as comfortable as the scanty 
shade which they afforded allowed us. 
In the evening our conversation with the vizier 
turning upon the means which remained for B6rnu 
to attain once more to her former greatness, these 
devastating expeditions and slave-hunts fell under 
discussion ; and I took the liberty to indicate, in 
opposition to such a system, the necessity of a 
well-established government, with a strong military 
force capable of extending their dominion. I also 
called the attention of the vizier to the point, that, as 
K 2 
