130 
TRAVELS IN NORTHERN AFRICA- 
CHAP. III. 
war on Kanem set the wild tribes in motion, and a ferment arose, 
which, even three years after, was not appeased. The Sheikh of 
Kanem, whom I have abeady mentioned, was fortunate enough, 
on this dreadful occasion, to escape to Birnie, many of his family 
having fallen sacrifices to Mukni's barbarity. 
In Bornou there is current a small copper coin of httle value, 
which is struck in the country. Gold is also used, but more ge- 
nerally as an ornament, than as an object of exchange. The people 
are called Believers, but a great part of them are Kaffirs. Their 
dresses, in the most civiHzed parts, are of cotton. Their arms are 
lances, bows, and arrows : tlie Sheikh and a few of the Sultan's 
guards have muskets ; but they are unable to make good powder. 
It is reported, that in Birnie are 60,000 horsemen, who have armour 
for themselves and horses, which are small but hardy, and are said 
not to run as other horses do, but to spring forward by repeated 
bounds : large ones are in great request, and are chiefly purchased 
from the Fezzan traders. Wedda, >jj or cowrie shells, are not 
used as money, but as ornaments, and bands for the head. The 
country is very fertile, producing corn and fruits ; amongst others 
the Tamarind, ljsj^^M j^-, or fruit of the Indies. The woods are 
numerous, and the trees very large and shady : from these the 
boards are brought on wliich prayers are written, and children 
taught to read. 
From Tegerry to Kanem is 20 days south by east ; Kanem to 
Bornou is 15 south by west. Many of the Kaffles pass over the 
countries of the Tibboo, and through the desert of Bilma, from 
whence they enter on the borders of Bornou. As I intend speaking 
of these places on a future occasion, the routes I shall there mention 
may be taken as the nearest. 
