THE MOSQUE. 257 
and whether I should know them again on my arrival in my 
native country. I rephed that having left Egypt very young, 
I was quite ignorant of the condition of my parents, if, 
indeed, they were still living. After this examination, the 
old men deliberated together for a short time and then dis- 
missed me, teUing me that I must remain with Lamfia, to 
whose care the chief, Mamadi-Sanici, had recommended 
me. On leaving the assembly, I asked my guide what 
decision had been formed relative to my journey. He told 
me it had been determined that it would be better for me to 
go by the way of Wassoulo instead of Boure, as the latter 
place was then at war with Kankan, and that one of their 
men had already been killed on that road. He added, that 
I was to be conducted by the first opportunity to the 
Wassoulo, whence I might proceed to Jenne, either by 
way of Sego, or Lambatikila, whichever I preferred. I 
was very well pleased with this decision, and returned to 
my hut to get a few glass ornaments, with which I went to 
the market to buy some milk. 
On the 22nd of June, I went to the mosque accompa- 
nied by my guide. The mosque is a square building of 
earth, with doors on three of its sides looking west, north, 
and south. It contains several avenues formed by large 
posts, or pillars, which support the roof. It is not near 
so neatly built as the straw mosques of the Fouta-Dhialon. 
The prayers were very short ; but the almamy, or spiritual 
chief, read some passages of the Koran. All the people 
present were very clean in their dress. The women have a 
mosque to themselves, for they are not permitted to enter 
the men's place of worship. The women's mosque was not 
much frequented. Our religious service being ended, I saw 
some well- dressed old men proceed to the women's mosque, 
which is built of straw, and very airy. Thither I was sum- 
moned, together with my guide, and we were both desired 
to sit down in the middle of the assembly. Lamfia was 
VOL, I. s 
