Narrative of a Mission to Central Africa Performed in the Years 1850-51, Volume 2 - Under the Orders and at the Expense of Her Majesty's Government by James Richardson
page 71 of 316 (22%)
page 71 of 316 (22%)
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growth, sometimes adorned by garlands and festoons of luxuriant
parasitical plants. Wild animals of various kinds range at will in unfrequented places, but do not seem to excite much terror. There are gardens and cornfields in the neighbourhood of some of the towns and villages, the cultivation being kept up during the dry months by irrigation; but only a few of the inhabitants, mostly slaves, cultivate the soil. Besides the grains I have mentioned, a few vegetables, principally onions, are produced. Date-palms bear fruit, which is good, but will not keep. I have already mentioned the chief manufactures of Aheer. They flourish to the greatest extent in Aghadez; but Tintalous also has its artizans. Working in leather was very popular during our stay, in consequence of the presence of a noted charm-writer--bags being necessary. A good many cunning blacksmiths ply their trade in various places. CHAPTER V. Projected Departure for Damerghou--False Start--Picturesque Caravan--Sultan's Views of White Skins--My Birthday--The Sultan fights his Battles over again--His Opinion of Women--Bragging--The Razzia on the Fadeea--Political News in the Desert--Cold Weather--Continue our Journey--Bornouese Fighis--Tin-Tagannu--Trap for a Lion--Mousa's Camels--A further Delay--Jackals and the Fire--Language of Signs--Tintalousian Coquettes--Departure of the Zinder Caravan--Natural Features--Languages--The Kilgris--Killing Lice--The Razzia to the North--Present of a Draught-board--Pagan Nations--Favourable Reports. |
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