118 
AFRICA AND ITS EXPLORATION. 
which, appears to have been placed there by nature to 
afford a supply of water to travellers, lies a desert, which 
it takes no less than ten days to cross. This was 
probably once a huge salt lake. 
On the 4th February, 1823, the caravan reached 
Lari, a town on the northern boundary of Bornou, in 
lat. 14° 40' N. The inhabitants, astonished at the size 
of the “ kafila,” fled in terror at its approach. 
“Beyond, however,” says Denham, “was an object 
full of interest to us, and the sight of it produced a sen¬ 
sation so gratifying and inspiring, that it would be diffi¬ 
cult for language to convey an idea of its force or 
pleasure. The great Lake Tchad, glowing with the 
golden rays of the sun in its strength, appeared to be 
within a mile of the spot on which we stood.” 
On leaving Lari, the appearance of the country 
changed completely. The sandy desert was succeeded 
by a clay soil, clothed with grass and dotted with 
acacias and other trees of various species, amongst which 
grazed herds of antelopes, whilst Guinea fowls and the 
turtle-doves of Barbary Hew hither and thither above 
them. Towns took the place of villages, with huts of 
the shape of bells, thatched with durra straw. 
The travellers continued their journey southwards, 
rounding Lake Tchad, which they had first touched at 
its most northerly point. 
The districts bordering on this sheet of water were 
of a black, firm, but muddy soil. The waters rise to a 
considerable height in winter, and sink in proportion in 
the summer. The lake is of fresh water, rich in fish, and 
frequented by hippopotami and aquatic birds. Near its 
centre, on the south-east, are the islands inhabited by 
the Biddomahs, a race who live by pillaging the people 
of the mainland. 
The explorers had sent a messenger to Sheikh El 
Khanemy, to ask permission to enter his capital, and 
an envoy speedily arrived to invite Boo-Khaloum and 
his companions to Kouka. 
On their way thither, the travellers passed through 
Burwlia, a fortified town which had thus far resisted the 
