6 
INTRODUCTI aN. 
presents had rendered favourable to us, issued orders that 
we should be well treated ; we met every where with an 
hospitable reception, and in several places the people carried 
their generosity so far as to subsist our whole company with- 
out accepting any remuneration. On reaching the frontiers of 
Cayor, we came to a desert which separates it from the 
country of the Yolofs. It is well known that formerly these 
two countries belonged to the same sovereign, who governed 
them with the title of boor, or emperor, and that the damel 
is only an independent vassal : we experienced the same 
kind reception from the subjects of the boor of Yolof. 
It was not long before we had to regret the generous 
hospitality of the Yolofs. On quitting their country we en- 
tered a desert, where, for five days' journey, we were ex- 
posed to a thousand hardships. I hope to be forgiven for 
entering into these details, the only ones which could have 
fixed themselves in the memory of a mere youth, travelling 
rather in quest of adventures than for the purpose of making 
observations. 
Our camels were so laden with goods, that we had been 
able to take with us but a very small quantity of water : it 
was soon found necessary to deal out but a very small por- 
tion to each person : mine was not more abundant. How 
could I complain — I, a useless consumer, attached to the 
expedition through the mere condescension of the leader ! 
I had no right to find fault, but I suffered extremely from 
thirst. I was sometimes reduced to extremity 5 for, having 
no beast to ride upon, I was obliged to follow on foot. I 
have been since told that my eyes were hollow, that I panted 
for breath, and that my tongue hung out of my mouth : for 
my own part, I recollect that at every halt, I fell to the 
ground from weakness, and had not even the courage to eat. 
At length my sufferings excited the pity of all; and M. 
Partarrieu had the kindness to divide with me his portion 
of water as well as a fruit which he had found. This fruit 
resembles the potatoe ; its pulp is white and of an agreeable 
