190 
TRAVELS IN AFRICA. Chap. LXXVn. 
A little more than half a mile beyond Tin-rassen 
we again reached the river, at that remarkable place 
called T6saye, or Tose, where the noble Niger is com- 
pressed between steep banks to a breadth perhaps of 
not more than 150 yards, but of such a depth that, as 
I have before observed, the bottom has not been found 
by the natives. Here the Sheikh, who, as in general, 
had slept till late in the morning, overtook us, and 
seemed much interested when I told him that I 
thought a small strong built steamer might safely 
cross this obstructed passage, as in the case of the cur- 
rent being too strong, it might be assisted by chains 
fastened to the rocks. The locality is of the greatest 
importance, on account of the intercourse between the 
desert and the province of Libtako, as the Arabs of 
A'zawad in general prefer crossing the river at this 
point, which, although very deep, is easily passed by 
the camels and cattle, while in other places they have 
to swim for miles. 
Immediately beyond this narrowing of the river 
the sandy downs cease, and a low stony level, of 
black, dismal colour, stretched out before us. The 
river, winding along this tract in a north-easterly 
bend, and illumined by the dazzling light of the sun, 
scarcely appeared to be the same large and noble 
stream which I had admired higher up. The black 
stony ground was torn by several small channels, and 
being only sparingly clad with the sad-looking poi- 
sonous bush the " fern^n,'^ exhibited a very melan- 
choly appearance. But gradually as we descended 
