86 PLAN FOR EXPLORING AFRICA. 
formed in a large vessel. Sidi-Abdallahi informed me that 
Uaoussa was only a twenty days' passage from Timbuctoo, 
descending the river 5 but in a small canoe the passage 
might be accomplished in twelve days, and then the mouth 
of the river might be speedily reached, especially if it empties 
itself into the Ocean. This plan, I am convinced, would be far 
less dangerous than that of starting from the gulf of Benin, 
where great difficulties would always be experienced in 
ascending, both on account of the climate and the inha- 
bitants. 
