Chap. LI. GENERAL CHARACTER OF BAGIRMI. 445 
If we now take a general view of the country, we 
find that in its present state it is inclosed within very 
narrow limits, extending in its greatest length, from 
north to south, to about 240 miles, while its breadth 
at the widest part scarcely exceeds 150 miles. Such a 
petty kingdom would be quite incapable of holding 
out against its two powerful neighbours if it were not 
for the resources drawn continually from the pagan 
countries towards the south. 
This was the reason why the kingdom of the Bulala, 
or Leo's Gaoga, rose to such immense power as soon 
as it had taken possession of Kanem. The people of 
Bagirmi themselves in former times, evidently after 
the zenith of the B6rnu kingdom had passed away, 
and when the weak dominion of devout but indolent 
kings succeeded to the dashing career of energetic 
and enterprising princes, provided themselves with 
what they wanted in this respect in a rather unce- 
remonious manner, by making constant predatory 
expeditions upon the caravan-road from Fezzan to 
Bornu, and carrying away a great amount of property, 
even a large supply of silver, — this being said to 
have been the source from whence the treasure which 
c Abd el Kerim Sabun king of Waday found in Mas- 
end was derived. In another direction they formerly 
extended their excursions into the Batta and Margbi 
country. 
The whole country, as far as it constitutes Bagirmi 
Proper, forms a flat level, with a very slight inclina- 
tion towards the north, the general elevation of the 
country being about 950 feet above the level of the 
