DISCOVERIES OF THE FRENCH, 
173 
become impossible to pass some obstacles which oc- 
curred in his return to Dramanet. He therefore 
sailed back to that place, and after having made a 
careful survey of all the neighbouring positions, 
fixed upon its vicinity for the erection of the fort, 
which was to be the centre of French commerce in 
the interior of Africa. He then sailed down the 
river to Fort Louis. 
In the course of this voyage, Brue made very 
anxious inquiries respecting the countries beyond 
Gallam, particularly concerning the Niger and 
Tombuctoo. He was informed, that, on the east 
and north-east of Gallam, about midway between 
the cataracts of Felu and Govinea, began the king- 
dom of Kasson, which was said to be formed into a 
species of island, or rather peninsula, by branches 
of the Senegal. The king of Kasson was power- 
ful, and had formerly reigned over all the neigh- 
bouring states, who were still his tributaries. Gold 
was so abundant in Kasson, that the metal often 
appeared almost on the surface of the ground. 
From this description, compared with that of Park, 
it appears that Kasson was in some degree con- 
founded with Bambouk and Manding, which con- 
fine with it on the south. Beyond Kasson was 
another kingdom called Bambarra, to the east of 
which lay that of Tombuctoo. The Mandingo mer- 
chants added, that Tombuctoo was not upon the 
Niger, but at a considerable distance in the interior. 
Leaving the Senegal at Kaignu, where it ceased to 
