214 ' TRAVELS IN THE 
From Kabra, at the distance of eleven days' journey, down 
the stream, the river passes to the southward of Houssa, which 
is two days' journey distant from the river. Of the further 
progress of this great river, and its final exit, all the natives 
with whom I conversed, seem to be entirely ignorant. Their 
commercial pursuits seldom induce them to travel further than 
the cities of Tombuctoo and Houssa ; and as the sole object of 
those journies is the acquirement of wealth, they pay but little 
attention to the course of rivers, or the geography of countries. 
It is, however, highly probable that the Niger affords a safe 
and easy communication between very remote nations. All my 
informants agreed, that many of the Negro merchants who 
arrive at Tombuctoo and Houssa, from the eastward, speak a 
different language from that of Bambarra, or any other king- 
dom with which they are acquainted. But even these merchants, 
it would seem, are ignorant of the termination of the river, for 
such of them as can speak Arabic, describe the amazing length 
of its course in very general terms ; saying only, that they 
believe it runs to the world's end. 
The names of many kingdoms to the eastward of Houssa, 
are familiar to the inhabitants of Bambarra. I was shewn 
quivers and arrows of very curious workmanship, which I was 
informed came from the kingdom of Kassina. 
On the northern bank of the Niger, at a short distance from 
Silla, is the kingdom of Masina, which is inhabited by Foulahs. 
They employ themselves there, as in other places, chiefly in 
pasturage, and pay an annual tribute to the King of Bambarra, 
for the lands which they occupy. 
