Chap. XXV. EXPORT OF CLOTH. — PRODUCE . 
127 
travelled by me, the merchandise of Kano being first 
carried up to Ghat and even Ghadames, and thence 
taking its way to Timbuktu by Tawat. 
I make the lowest estimate in rating this export to 
Timbuktu alone at three hundred camel-loads annu- 
ally, worth 60,000,000 kurdi in Kano — an amount 
which entirely remains in the country, and redounds 
to the benefit of the whole population, both cotton 
and indigo being produced and prepared in the coun- 
try. In taking a general view of the subject, I think 
myself justified in estimating the whole produce of 
this manufacture, as far as it is sold abroad, at the 
very least at about 300,000,000 ; and how great this 
national wealth is, will be understood by my readers 
when they know that, with from fifty to sixty thou- 
sand kurdi, or from four to five pounds sterling a 
year, a whole family may live in that country with 
ease, including every expense, even that of their 
clothing: and we must remember that the province is 
one of the most fertile spots on the earth, and is able to 
produce not only the supply of corn necessary for its 
population, but can also export, and that it possesses, 
besides, the finest pasture-grounds. In fact, if we 
consider that this industry is not carried on here as 
in Europe, in immense establishments, degrading man 
to the meanest condition of life, but that it gives em- 
ployment and support to families without compelling 
them to sacrifice their domestic habits, we must 
presume that Kano ought to be one of the happiest 
