liNTERIOR OF AFRICA. 20^ 
of a crocodile lying upon one of the houses, which they told 
me had been killed by the shepherds, in a swamp near the 
town. These animals are not uncommon in the Niger; but I 
believe they are not oftentimes found dangerous. They are of 
little account to the traveller, when compared with the amazing 
swarms of musketoes, which rise from the swamps and creeks, 
in such numbers as to harass even the most torpid of the 
natives ; and as my clothes were now almost worn to rags, I 
was but ill prepared to resist their attacks. I usually passed 
the night, without shutting my eyes, walking backwards and 
forwards, fanning myself with my hat; their stings raised 
numerous blisters on my legs and arms; which, together with 
the want of rest, made me very feverish and uneasy. 
July 29th. Early in the morning, my landlord observing 
that I was sickly, hurried me away ; sending a servant with me 
as a guide to Kea. But though I was little able to walk, my 
horse was still less able to carry me; and about six miles to 
the east of Modiboo, in crossing some rough clayey ground, he 
fell ; and the united strength of the guide and myself, could 
not place him again upon his legs. I sat down for some time,^ 
beside this worn-out associate of my adventures ; but finding 
him still unable to rise, I took off the saddle and bridle, and 
placed a quantity of grass before him. I surveyed the poor 
animal, as he lay panting on the ground, with sympathetic 
emotion ; for I could not suppress the sad apprehension, that 
I should myself, in a short time, lie down and perish in the 
same manner, of fatigue and hunger. With this foreboding, 
I left my poor horse ; and with great reluctance followed my 
Ee 
