92 
TRAVELS m AFRICA. 
Chap. LXXII. 
possible, its distance from either the west coast or 
the mouth of the Niger is very considerable. But, 
on the other hand, the great importance of its situa- 
tion at the northern curve or elbow of that majestic 
river, which, in an immense sweep encompasses the 
whole southern half of North-Central Africa, in- 
cluding countries densely populated and of the 
greatest productive capabilities, renders it most de- 
sirable to open it to European commerce, while the 
river itself affords immense facilities for such a pur- 
pose. For, although the town is nearer to the French 
settlements in Algeria on the one side, and those on 
the Senegal on the other, yet it is separated from the 
former by a tract of frightful desert, while between 
it and the Senegal lies an elevated tract of country, 
nay, along the nearest road, a mountain chain extends 
of tolerable height. Further, we have here a family 
which, long before the French commenced their 
conquest of Algeria, exhibited their friendly feelings 
toward the English in an unquestionable manner, and 
at the present moment the most distinguished member 
of this family is most anxious to open free intercourse 
with the English. Even in the event of the greatest 
success of the French policy in Africa, they will never 
effect the conquest of this region. On the other hand, 
if a liberal government were secured to Timbuktu, 
by establishing a ruler independent of the Fiilbe of 
Hamda-Allahi, who are strongly opposed to all inter- 
course with Europeans, whether French or English, 
