NATIVE DWELLINGS. 
319 
CCapsicum frutescansjy okra fHibiscus esculentisj, 
the unripe pods of which contain reddish, well flavoured 
seeds, and are often used in soups, which they improve 
very much, by affording a nutritious gelatinous matter ; 
African yam ("Dioscoria alataj ; Tephrosia Toxicaria, 
a leguminous plant, producing a fine indigo; and 
tobacco in abundance. 
Iddah is divided into a great many villages or districts, 
each under the governance of a chief, who is responsible 
to the Att^h. The palace of the latter is situated in the 
most secure place, being naturally protected towards the 
river by the abrupt and precipitous cliffs, while, on the 
other sides, are the surrounding villages, as well as an 
intermediate thick mud wall, which encloses it perfectly. 
It is, moreover, guarded by a militia, armed with spears, 
a few muskets, and swords, some of them not unlike 
those of ancient Rome. In time of war these men 
have specially to defend the Att^h. 
Nearly all the dwellings at Iddah are circular, the walls 
rise about six feet and are built of day and small stones 
intermixed. The roof is conical, made of palm-leaves 
and a thick Cyperaceous plant, somewhat resembling 
that from which the Egyptian papjTus was manufac- 
tured. It is sometimes supported in the centre by a 
wooden piUar, often rudely decorated with red and yellow 
clay. The overhanging edge of the roof protects from sun 
and rain the clay seats which surround the hut where 
the family usually sit, it rests on a number of posts, 
some curiously carved, and forms a low verandah. 
