LOSS OF A CANOE. 
31 
Soon after our arrival at the village of Tircy, we learned 
that some of the large boats had run aground^ and that one 
of them had been completely swamped. This unforeseen 
accident occasioned considerable delay in the progress of the 
flotilla, which was obliged to stop in order to give assistance 
to the wrecked boat. The crews of the canoes hastened to 
help them ; the greater part of the merchandise was floating 
about in the river, and, notwithstanding the activity which 
every individual displayed, only a very small part of the 
cargo was saved. This was a considerable loss to the owners ; 
for, though the trade is very brisk, the merchants know 
nothing of the means of protecting themselves from risks by 
insurances. Notwithstanding this unfortunate occurrence, 
the Moor, whose neglect had caused it, did not appear in the 
least concerned. 
The 9th and 10th of April were employed in dragging 
some bags of rice and millet out of the water ; the negroes 
plunged in and one was drowned. All the negroes of the 
flotilla came to the aid of the wrecked canoe; they generally 
have an interest in rendering this kind of service, for they 
receive, by way of reward, a portion of the merchandise they 
save, except the manufactured stuffs, the value of which they 
are paid in millet and rice. 
1 saw at Tircy the two Moors of Adrar whom I had met 
at Banan ; they greeted me cordially, and invited me many 
times to sup with them. As I knew these people think 
much of presents, I gave them a part of my dokhnou, a little 
baked bread, and a sheet of paper ; these things they received 
with gratitude. One of them asked me whether I wanted 
some cowries to purchase milk with : as I had still from five 
to six thousand left, I thanked them, but declined their 
obliging offer. 
The women of the Dirimans, like all who live on the 
banks of the river from Jenne to Timbuctoo, have their hair 
ornamented with small glass beads; they also wear glass, and 
