390 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. 
Chap. L. 
It was not, however, a building of recent date, 
but built at least fifty, or perhaps a hundred years 
ago, or probably more, and was at present in a consi- 
derable state of decay. It forms a quadrangle of a 
somewhat oblong shape, the front looking towards 
the N.W., and measures from 1500 to 1600 yards in 
circumference. It must once have been a very strong 
building, the walls measuring about ten feet at the 
base, and from fifteen to twenty feet in height, and 
the entrance-gate being formed by thick wooden 
planks bound with iron. Upon entering, we first 
got into an open courtyard, in the eastern part of 
which there was a large oblong building or hall built 
of clay, which formed the public place of audience. 
Adjoining this there was a hut, wherein the kada- 
mange, or zerma — for he had lately risen in the service 
— who had been installed as lieutenant-governor, had 
his official residence, while further westward another 
hut formed the entrance-hall into the inner or private 
apartments of the sultan, which I shall notice on the 
occasion of my audience with the sovereign. 
The whole south-eastern part of the palace, being 
inclosed by a separate wall, is entirely devoted to the 
female portion of the royal household, and is full of 
huts, the number of which, of course, I am not able 
to tell, having had no access to this sacred and most 
secluded part of the residence. According to report, 
at least, the sultan is said to have from 300 to 400 
wives. The huts are of various sizes and descriptions, 
in conformity with the character of the tenant of 
