INTERIOR OF AFRICA. 
«45 
CHAPTER XIX. 
Government of Manding. — The Author's Reception by the Mansa, 
or chief Man of Sibidooloo, who takes Measures for the Re- 
covery of his Horse and Effects. — The Author removes to 
Wanda ; — great Scarcity, and its afflicting Consequences. — The 
Author recovers his Horse and Clothes — presents his Horse to 
the Mansa ; and prosecutes his Journey to Kamalia — some 
Account of that Town. — The Author's kind Reception by Karfa 
Taura, a Slatee, who proposes to go to the Gambia in the next 
dry Season, with a Caravan of Slaves. — The Author's Sickness, 
and Determination to remain and accompany Karfa. 
The town of Sibidooloo is situated in a fertile valley, sur- 
rounded with high rocky hills. It is scarcely accessible for 
horses, and during the frequent wars between the Bambarrans, 
Foulahs, and Mandingoes, has never once been plundered by 
an enemy. When I entered the town, the people gathered 
round me, and followed me into the baloon ; where I was present- 
ed to the Dooty or chief man, who is here called Mansa, which 
usually signifies king. Nevertheless, it appeared to me that the 
government of Manding was a sort of republic, or rather an 
oligarchy ; every town having a particular Mansa, and the 
chief power of the state, in the last resort, being lodged in 
