FROM DUNRORA TO ZEGZEG. 
297 
cipice, which is seven hundred yards in height. This accident 
occasioned us two hours’ delay; but the horse was not materially 
hurt. We had been travelling about half an hour after leaving 
this spot, when we came to a place from which there was an exten- 
sive and beautiful prospect of the surrounding country ; and eight 
days’ journey might plainly be seen before us. I halted for a mo- 
ment to gaze upon the fine and noble scene around me. About 
half a day’s journey to the east stood a lofty hill, at the foot of 
which lay the large city of Jacoba. Mahomet affirmed that there 
is a river called Shar, or Sharry, about half a mile from that place, 
which derives its source from the lake Tchad; and that canoes can 
go from the lake to the Niger at any season of the year. The 
Sharry empties itself into the Niger at Funda; and the Niger, 
after leaving the towns of Cuttum Currijee, Gattoo, and Jibboo, 
joins the salt water, but at what particular place Mahomet could 
not rightly inform me, never having heard the word “ Benin” men- 
tioned before. Funda lies due west of Dunrora. Not being aware 
that the chief of Dunrora was so very great a man, I this day sent 
him only a pair of scissors and fifty needles, which were shortly 
afterwards returned to me with a request that I would give them 
to a less exalted personage. On asking the reason of this conduct, 
the people informed me I had insulted the dignity of their chief by 
offering so trifling a present, he being a mighty man. Not feeling 
disposed, however, to add any thing else to it, I sent back the mes- 
senger empty-handed. Dunrora contains 4000 inhabitants. 
FROM DUNRORA BACK TO ZEGZEG. 
19th. — This morning as I was loading my beasts, and preparing 
to depart, I perceived four armed men ride up at full gallop to the 
