VILLAGE OF THE TAGAMA. 
153 
We now see signs of approaching habitations, 
such as flocks of sheep straying, and droves of oxen 
feeding begin to appear. There seems to be a 
great number of birds of prey hereabouts. I counted 
at least thirty vultures, who watched the passing 
of the caravan, in hopes to see a camel fall and 
be abandoned. 
We encamped a stone's throw beyond the houses. 
The well is called by the same name as the village. 
The inhabitants are Tuaricks, and some of them of 
a very pure race, almost white ; whilst others, again, 
are dark : they are called Tagama. The women 
and children all came out to sell their cheeses, and a 
few other things. I purchased two small fowls and 
a good number of cheeses, which seem to be the 
principal articles of produce : they are made quite 
square, three or four inches a side, and a quarter of 
an inch thick. I purchased these with imitation 
silver rings, of which the people are immensely 
fond, preferring them to the imitation gold ring. 
1 got two cheeses for a ring — a plain hoop : the 
fowls cost each three of these toys. The women 
and girls bothered me much with their curiosity and 
their bartering. Some of them are as stout as the 
Mooresses of the coast, and nearly all are well- 
looking ; many with very good features, and fair 
for this country. All are polite enough, men, 
women, and children. We are glad to find the 
people more civil, the nearer we approach to Sou- 
