336 
TRAVELS IN NORTHERN AFRICA. 
CHAP. IX. 
who were at the market, Lackbi is pretty universally drank. I 
bought a very fine sheep for a dollar and a quarter. Every thing 
here, as in Tripoh, is in the hands of the Jews : they are artisans 
and merchants, having dealings from one farthing up to hundreds 
of dollars ; they also distil brandy from the dates, and find a very 
ready sale for it. Some small vessels bring goods to Zleetun ; but 
as there is no roadsted, they anchor in the offing when the wind is 
from shore. Hills of sand obstruct the view of the sea at about a 
mile from the houses, and goods are carried that distance by camels. 
I here unfortunately lost my black rat, which I had rendered 
quite tame ; having appeared sick and drooping, I let it out of its 
cage, and wrapped it up in my barracan, the warmth of which so far 
recovered it, that, to my great regret, it made its escape : my other 
animals and serpents were alive and well. 
Monday, 20th March. — As the corn was not ready for the slaves, 
we were obliged to stop over this day. I was much amused by the 
songs of the Negresses while pounding wheat ; they sang all their 
country airs in chorus, and there was in their wildness much beauty. 
Their Boori, or songs used in sorcery, were particularly striking, 
and they kept time to the music with their wooden pestles and 
glass armlets, which sounded like cymbals. One of the songs was 
thus explained to me : the three girls who sung it were pounding 
in the same mortar, and regulated their beating according to the 
circumstances of which they sung. At first they pounded slowly, 
one telling the other two that they must keep up their spirits, as 
the warriors would soon be at home, and their lovers would bring 
more trophies than any one else ; they then increased their time, 
and sang a song of triumph, the warriors being supposed to have 
returned ; when suddenly they beat without measure, singing in a 
very shrill and rapid manner as for one who was dead. They then 
ceased beating altogether, and sung a trio, in which two endea- 
