314 
TRAVELS m AFRICA. 
Chap. LXXXI. 
protecting our luggage against the extreme humidity 
of the ground. It is such encampments as these 
which are the cause of so much unhealthiness to tra- 
vellers, and I did not feel at all comfortable until, 
with great difficulty, I had lighted a fire inside 
my wet tent, the rain continuing outside with in- 
creased violence. But the weather aiFected my peo- 
ple, who were less protected than myself, in such a 
manner, that they were shivering with wet and cold 
in the morning, and we did not get off until a late 
hour. 
Having met some energetic and warlike-looking 
horsemen from F6gha, and passing several small 
ponds, we descended a little, and then proceeding 
over the hilly ground, which was more scantily tim- 
bered, we gradually approached the remarkable valley 
of Fogha. As I had decided upon visiting the town 
of Kalliyul, I was obliged to change here my direction 
to the south-west, keeping along the side of the valley. 
The narrow footpath was now overgrown with rank 
grass, and the numerous salt-manufacturing hamlets 
were destitute of life and animation, and overgrown 
with vegetation. We were also glad, for the sake of 
the famished inhabitants of this district, to see the 
fields waving with tolerably rich crops, and a few 
cattle grazing about. Some animation was caused 
by an encampment of native traders which we passed, 
consisting of light sheds built of reed. 
Proceeding thus onwards we reached the town of 
