INTERIOR OF AFRICA. 117 
crystals were much smaller than common. They procure it 
in considerable quantities from the ponds which are filled 
in the rainy season, and to which the cattle resort for cool- 
ness during the heat of the day. When the water is eva- 
porated, a white efflorescence is observed on the mud, which 
the natives collect and purify in such a manner as to answer 
their purpose. The Moors supply them with sulphur from the 
Mediterranean ; and the process is completed by pounding the 
different articles together in a wooden mortar. The grains are 
very unequal, and the sound of its explosion is by no means so 
sharp as that produced by European gunpowder. 
March 5th. We departed from Sampaka at daylight. About 
noon we stopped a little at a village called Dangali ; and in 
the evening arrived at Dalli. We saw upon the road two large 
herds of camels feeding. When the Moors turn their camels to 
feed, they tie up one of their fore legs, to prevent their straying. 
This happened to be a feast day at Dalli, and the people were 
dancing before the Dooti's house. But when they were informed 
that a white man was come into the town, they left off' dancing, 
and came to the place where I lodged, walking in regular order, 
two and two, with the music before them. They play upon a 
sort of flute ; but instead of blowing into a hole in the side, 
they blow obliquely over the end, which is half shut by a thin 
piece of wood ; they govern the holes on the side with their 
fingers, and play some simple and very plaintive airs. They 
continued to dance and sing until midnight : during which time 
I was surrounded by so great a crowd, as made it necessary for 
me to satisfy their curiosity, by sitting still, 
