BUFFOON — MIXED POPULATION. 169 
close together they make a great jingling noise by 
dashing one against another. Suppers were brought 
this evening, but the singing and dancing were not 
continued. We had, however, at sunset, a visit from 
a Hazna dancer, — a perfect specimen of African 
buffoonery and jingling. He danced and sung with 
the wildest barbarity. He had two followers, to pick 
up the offerings of the people. They beat two 
pieces of stick together to the motion of his legs, 
hung with bells. The upper part of his body was 
naked, whilst the lower part was covered with a red 
and yellow apron. This man is said to drink beer, 
and is a professed pagan. 
I went to the wells, which are bored through the 
hard red clay, in the shape of small circular holes, 
of about fifty feet in depth. There is very little 
water at this season, but it is sufficient for the wants 
of the village when the salt-caravan is not here. 
The inhabitants of Damerghou consist of Kai- 
louee Tuaricks — Bornouese runaways and slaves — 
Haussa people, free and slaves — Bousa, or the de- 
scendants of Tuaricks by slaves, and a few Fullanee. 
This is also the refuge of dethroned sultans, as well 
as runaway slaves. There is now here the Kailouee 
prince called Maaurgi, who exercised authority some 
years since in Aheer. Damerghou, indeed, appears 
to be common ground, where every one who pleases, 
and is strong enough, comes to establish himself. 
Many runaways, freemen from Bornou, who had 
committed some misdemeanour, being found in this 
