Chap. XLIV. 
Mu'SGU WEAPONS. 
199 
repeatedly came into most unpleasant collision ; and 
here again I was much indebted to my massive stir- 
rups, which bravely kept their ground against bush 
and man. The whole forest consisted of middle-sized 
trees, the kokia being predominant, while scarcely a 
single tree of larger size was to be seen. It seemed 
very natural that all the wild animals should flee 
before such a host of people ; but I was astonished 
at the scarcity of ant-hills, notwithstanding the great 
degree of moisture which prevails in these extensive 
levels, and which is so favourable to the existence of 
this insect. 
Our march the whole morning had been straight 
for Dawa, the village of the Tiifuri or Tuburi, a 
section of the great tribe of the Far! or Fall, of 
which I have spoken in a former part of my narrative. 
There had been a great deal of discussion in the 
last day's council as to the expediency of attacking 
this place, the subjection, or rather destruction of 
which was of great importance, not only to Mallem 
Jymma, but even to the Fulbe settled in the eastern 
districts of A'damawa in general. This party at 
last had gained the upper hand over the greater 
part of the cowardly Kanuri courtiers ; but at pre- 
sent, when we approached the seat of this tribe, 
who are well known to be warlike, and when the 
question arose whether we should engage in battle 
with these people in three or four hours' time, it 
became rather a serious affair. When, therefore, after 
a march of four hours we reached a beautiful fresh 
o 4 
