268 TRAVELS IN AFRICA, 
Silver, lead, and tin, I have never heard mentioned here, 
but as coming from Egypt. Of gold, in the countries to the 
Eaft and Weft, the fupply is abundant. Little comes to Dar- 
Fur, except by accident. What is produced in the Weft reaches 
the northern markets by means of other caravans. The mo- 
narch occafionally obtains a fmall quantity for his own ufe from 
the Eaft. 
Alabafter, and various kinds of marble, exift within the 
limits of Fur. The rocks chiefly confift of grey granite. But of 
ftone adapted to building, or convertible into lime, either there 
is none, or the quantity muft be extremely fmall. The granite 
ferves for hand-mills without being cut, for the metal of which 
their tools are compofed is too foft to be employed for that 
purpofe. 
FofTile fait is common within a certain diftridt : and there is 
a fufficient fupply of nitre, of which however no ufe is made. 
A quantity of fulphur is brought by the Arabs, who feed oxen 
[Bukkara) from the South and Weft. But of the place where 
it is found I have heard no defcription. It muft alfo exift on 
the mountain called Gebel Marra j as it is related there are hot 
fprings there ; which animals, particularly birds, are obferved 
not to approach ; this, if true, may be the efFedt of fulphureous 
vapours. 
