ACCOUNT OF TOMBUCTOO. 49§ 
The natives of Tombuctoo are a vigorous and 
healthy race, and expose themselves, without in- 
jury, to the most intense action of the sun. They 
are violent in their quarrels, and employ, as means 
of offence, not only their fists, but the still less 
dignified practice of biting* On the whole, how-^ 
ever, they are a good-natured people, and exceed-^ 
ingly gay. The favourite amusement, as in all 
negro states, is dancing. A large party for this 
purpose is generally formed once a-week, and is 
often continued during the whole night. At first 
the men take the chief part ; but when the females 
join, it ceases to be conducted with much regard 
to decorum. They have several species of mu- 
sical instruments, rudely constructed of reeds, 
ostrich quills, and cocoa nut shells. They were 
in general very dirty, and only the king, queen, 
and principal people, had a change of dress about 
once a-week. Ivory ornaments, and gold ear- 
rings, w^ere worn by all who could procure them ; 
and no present was so highly valued. Some had 
rings also upon their fingers ; but these appeared 
to be of brass, and of Moorish manufacture. The 
articles of furniture consist solely of earthen jars, 
wooden bowls, and mats made of grass (palmeto), 
which are used for sleeping upon. 
The food at Tombuctoo consists chiefly of 
Guinea corn, ground between two flat stones, and 
boiled up into a thick mess, over which goat's 
