TRAVELS IN AFIUCA. 
67 
rounded with a mud wall, about six feet high. 
It is in three divisions, each separated from the 
other by a clear space of about two hundred 
yards, in which stand some fine large evergreen 
trees, in whose shade the natives spend the 
most part of the day, engaged in conversation, 
playing a game somewhat resembling draughts, 
at which they are very clever, and sleeping, a 
very general recreation in that country. Here 
also is held the assembly of the head men and 
chiefs, when any matter of importance requires 
their attention. Each of those divisions is go- 
verned by a head man, who is under the con- 
trol of a chief, subject to the king of Katoba. 
The town is pleasantly situate in an extensive 
plain, and bears the marks of cultivation to a 
considerable distance, surrounded on all sides, 
except the sw., by gently rising hills, covered 
with wood. The town is plentifully supplied 
with water of a good quality, from wells nine 
fathoms deep, at the bottoms of which is a stra- 
tum of solid rock. 
Here we decided on waiting the arrival of 
Mr. Partarrieau with the camels, as the place af- 
forded an abundance of forage and water for 
the animals, and an opportunity of procuring a 
small quantity of rice, pistacios, cassada, and 
small beans, for ourselves. The chief priest of 
the town paid us a visit, making a present of a 
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