Chapter XXIX: Section V (1)

“Near the last-mentioned province, there is an extensive country called Moo-shér, which contains rivers, trees, and a gold mine. It is inhabited by tribes of the Soodan.

“Adjoining to it, on the north side, the province of Sanghee lies. It is extensive, very fertile, and well peopled. Its inhabitants are remnants of the Sonhaja, the wandering Arabs, and the Falateen. They profess the Mohammedan faith, and their princes ruled them always with equity and justice. A great number of learned and pious persons have distinguished themselves from among them.

“Next to Sanghee, on the west side, and north of Barghoo, the country of Malee is situated. It is a very extensive province, and inhabited by the Soodan, who, it is said, originated from the remnants of the Copts of Egypt. Among its inhabitants, some of the Tow-rooth, the Falateen, the Arabs, the Jews, and the Christians, are found. It is likewise supposed that their origin was from Sarankaly, or the Persians. It contains a gold mine, and has an anchorage or harbour for ships sent by two Christian sovereigns, since former periods. This country has always been in a flourishing state from times immemorial. It embraces the province of Banbara, which is very extensive, and contains rivers, forests, and a gold mine. The Soodan who inhabit it are very powerful, and to this time still infidels.

“Near to Banbara there is the province of the Tow-rooth, and that of Footá; which are extensive, and inhabited by their own people, and by those of Sarankaly, or Persians. The Tow-rooth nation, it is said, originated from the Jews, others say from the Christians, and others make them to be descendants of the Soodan of Banbara.

“Beyond the last mentioned countries there is only the province of Dámlá, or Damloo, which lies on the coast of the ocean. In it Mooslimanism is not known; and its inhabitants presume to hear the sound of the sun on reaching the meridian at noon. This country contains many wonderful, rare, and extraordinary things, which we are prevented from detailing by the pressure of time.

“Thus we now conclude what we intended to insert in this extract, for the purpose of giving an outline of the geography of the kingdom of Tak-roor.”

END OF PART FIRST.

N. B. The next, or Second Part, contains only the details of the actions and battles that took place when Bello’s father conquered these countries.

OBSERVATION.—It is proper here to explain, that the only deviation I made from the original is in dividing the Pamphlet into two parts, and separating the geographical from the military account.—A. S.

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 73: On referring to the History of Yemen, by Mass-oodi, to ascertain the period at which these two sovereigns reigned, I find that the author of this pamphlet has made a mistake in asserting that Africus reigned anterior to Hemeera; whereas Hemeera ruled Yemen many hundred years previously to Africus, and that “Africus was the sovereign who removed the Barbars from Syria, Palestine, and Egypt, to their present countries.”

From the above-mentioned history (if it can be relied upon) it appears, that the reign of Hemeera was after the demise of the Prophet Heber, and that Africus reigned soon after the death of Alexander the Great. A. S.]

[Footnote 74: The Eastern, and all Mohammedan people, considering Alexander the Great as the only monarch who conquered the globe from east to west, give him the title of “the two horned,” in allusion to his said conquests. They likewise believe that Gog and Magog were two great nations, but that, in consequence of their wicked and mischievous disposition, Alexander gathered, and immured them within two immensely high mountains, in the darkest and northernmost parts of Europe, by a most surprising and insuperable wall, made of iron and copper, of great thickness and height; and that, to the present time, they are confined there: that, notwithstanding they are a dwarfish race—viz. from two to three feet in height only—they will one day come out and desolate the world!—A. S.]

[Footnote 75: Perhaps in the Oases.—A. S.]

[Footnote 76: This expression means nothing less than that the people of Ya-ory are chiefly light-headed; for the author, in this part of the MS., is very clear and intelligible.—A. S.]

[Footnote 77: This was a great sovereign of Arabia, to whom the people of that country gave the title of “Father of Arabia;” and, according to Mass-oodi, he was the first who ruled over Yemen, and wrote the Arabic language. His reign was, as the said historian says, during the lifetime of the Prophet Heber.—A. S.]

[Footnote 78: This province seems to contain no rivers; because the word “rivers” was inserted in the MS., but afterwards struck out by the writer.—A. S.]

* * * * *

No. XIII.

NOTE BY THE TRANSLATOR.—In my translation of the first part of this pamphlet, I stated that the second part embraced only the details of the battles and actions that took place when Sultan Bello’s father conquered his present dominions; which details are those of the battles of Kashnah, Dowra, Kanoo, Kabi, and of three actions in the province of Kadawee. These being of no general interest, I considered it superfluous to translate the whole; but, in order to give an idea of the military tactics of the Africans, and the manner of their warfare, I have selected the account of the first battle of Kadawee, which is the longest, and somewhat interesting.

_A Narrative of the first Battle of Kadawee._

“When we assembled and consulted together, respecting the conquest of Kadawee, and our opinions agreed upon its execution, we encamped out, with our troops, commanded by general Aly Jedo. After leaving Manee, or Moona, we marched till we arrived at the west suburbs of the capital, where we found the infidels prepared and intrenched within some thickets. We fought them; and God Almighty gave us the victory. We then proceeded till we reached Boori, about half a day’s journey from Kadawee, where our friends, the tribes of the Falateen, who had fought the infidels at the right side suburbs, sent and announced to us that they (the infidels) had embraced Mooslemanism; and that a great number, of both settlers and wanderers, who had been beaten by our other troops, had also followed their example. The fight continued on that day till our soldiers reached Jerwa; which place is very near the capital. At sunset, I and my guards retired from the western suburbs, but our people besieged the southern; and the next morning when our brother, the pious Namooda, arrived with his troops, they advanced upon the eastern suburbs. We then held a council and agreed to attack the city, notwithstanding the immense number of the enemy’s troops (whose amount God only knows) that was collected in it. This being known, every one of our party, who were besieged in it, and made their escape, came to us. After encamping at Manee, and most of our friends and people had joined us, we marched, commanded by the great vizier Abdullah, till we arrived at Boori, where we stayed till the rest of our followers reached us. We now marched towards Ghazik, and early in the morning came near the capital, which was very strongly fortified, and well protected by being situated between trees and thickets. Our general hastened and advanced till he reached the vanguard of the enemy, where he found that they had prepared, on each side of the town, a company to defend it. They sallied forth, and bore upon our left; we resisted and fought them for an hour, while their people, from the fortifications of the city, were shooting upon our troops volleys of arrows: so that we were attacked on one side by their troops, who came out to us, and on the other by their archers from the town. During this engagement my uncle was wounded in the foot. God Almighty, however, helped us against them, and we routed their troops; and, when we obtained this advantage of their backs, the battle became very hot and sanguinary. I pursued them with a portion of our troops (while the rest, on the right wing of the army, remained fighting against the city), till I drove them towards the place where I was encamped. I then sent to the right wing to join me; and, while we were thus engaged, the enemy came out with a fresh body of horsemen and followed us. On seeing this movement, I hid myself, with a number of my cavalry, till they passed and got near our troops, whereupon I started and bore upon them from behind; by which surprise God dispersed and made them fly. We then returned to our troops, and encamped till the next morning, when the enemy sent out against us an immense number of horsemen, at whose head we thought was their prince himself. Our cavalry started and met them; and after a severe battle, routed them. We pursued them till we reached Zoghrob, on the right side of the capital, where we rested three nights, and then marched to re-attack it. On Sunday morning we fought the enemy most terribly, till it appeared as if the city was on the point of being opened to us. In this battle a great number of our people fell martyrs, and we killed as many of the enemy. At sunset we retired to the camp.

“Here the Tawarek conducted themselves with treachery and deceit: they came to us and declared their submission; but, afterwards, they went to the infidel Soodan, and united with them against us. They, likewise, on seeing our success in the first action, swore and agreed among themselves, to seize upon and capture our family. But our friend and brother, the most virtuous among them, Ahmed ben Heeda, having written to us a detail of their design, and cautioned us, we immediately despatched a part of our troops, headed by the vizier, to protect our family. I remained with the rest of the army, contending with the enemy, till the vizier returned and brought the family safe to us.

“During his absence, however, I sent a body of soldiers to seize upon Ackoowee; which they pillaged, and returned safely, bringing with them an immense booty.

“In the mean time the noble shaikh, my father, moved with a multitude of troops, and arrived at Boori; where, on hearing of his march, I repaired to meet him.

“The Tawarek again deceived us, by writing letters, in which they pledged themselves to meet and unite with us. But when they assembled and joined us, and we encamped at Thunthoo, and our people were scattered in search of provisions, while only the nobles and leaders remained in the camp, we were surprised by the appearance of the enemy near us. The nobles then started to encounter them with what they could collect of our troops, while I and my company were intrenched behind our baggage and animals. At this moment, our friend, the pious brother of the shaikh Saado, came to our assistance, with the royal standard in his hand, and desired that we should advance against the enemy immediately. I told him, he had better wait till they approached us nearer. He refused, and advanced by himself and people. I, being very ill, was obliged to remain behind. They reached the enemy, prepared, and darted upon them. After a severe action of an hour, the enemy fled, but not without a great number of our people having fallen martyrs. By this time, our uncle, the vizier, came to our succour, followed by the noble shaikh, our father, and his party.

“They pursued the enemy, and God gave them the victory, and enabled them to plunge their weapons into their bodies, and disperse them in shreds (small parties). In this engagement we lost about 2,000 martyrs, most of whom were of our best soldiers, and of the most pious and virtuous of our men: as the chief justice Mohammed Thanboo, the noble Saado, Mahmood Ghordam, Mohammed Jamm, the learned and intelligent poet and reciter Zaid, Aboo-bakr Bingoo, the true diviner Es-sudani, and several others. After burying as many as we could of them, we retired and encamped till the next morning, when we buried the rest. This battle took place about two miles from Kadawee.”

The manuscript ends thus:

“Ended, by the grace and assistance of God, the writing of this extract, by the hand of its writer, on Wednesday about noon, the 29th of Rajab, 1239 of Hejra, for Rayes Abdallah, the English Christian, in the city of Sackatoo, of the country of Houssa, residence of the prince of the believers, Mohammed Bello; whom may God cause to be ever victorious! Amen.”

No. XIV.

_The Song of Mohammed-Alameen ben Mohammed El-Kanemy, Sheikh of the Koran, Lawgiver to Bornou, and Governor of Kanem, on his return from the Begharmi Country in 1821. Translated by Major Denham._

“I return to my people, the people of my heart, and the children of my solicitude! At break of day, fasting, coming towards Kouka, with my morning prayer on my lips, in sight of the gate, the gate that saw me depart! The morning wind blew fresh and cool, yet mild as the evening breeze. The battle of spears had been long doubtful; but had ended in glory! had covered my people with honour and victory, God Almighty assisting us! These were our deeds; they lived in the memory of all. Oh! glorious expedition! But the greatest joy must be told; the joy, oh, how exquisite! the recovery of my lost love! a part of myself. Her high and noble forehead, like the new moon, and nose like the rainbow! Her arched eyebrows reaching to her temples, overhanging eyes than which the moon is less bright, as it shines through darkness! large piercing eyes, whose looks never could be mistaken! A single glance at these her all-conquering beauties instantly called her to my mind with all the graces of her disposition; lips sweeter than honey, and colder than the purest water! Oh! dearest of my wives! Heaven’s own gift! what were my sensations when I removed the veil from thy face! Thou knewest me not in thy alarm; animation had left thee! Thou knewest not what was to follow; and thy large eyes had closed in despair! It seemed that lightning had struck me with its fire! As the light of morning dispels the blackness of night, so did she, reviving, impart to me a gladness overpowering as the blood-red sun, when it breaks forth in its splendour, warming the sons of earth with its re-animating fires. I thought of the day when she was blooming in my presence, when the news of her loss came to me like a blast from the desert. My head was laid low with sorrow! The Spring returned with its freshness; but its showers could not revive my drooping head! Who shall now tell of my joy? From her shoulders to her waist, how fair is her proportion! When she moves, she is like branches waved by a gentle breeze! Silks from India are less soft than her skin; and her form, though noble, is timid as the fawn! Let this my joy be proclaimed to all my people! Let them take my blessing, and give me congratulation! Their chief is alive, returns, and is victorious! All my people, even little children, shall sing these our deeds; all must share in the joy of their chief, as well those whose age prevents their sharing my glories, as those who have yet to learn the path of heroes! God has made us to overcome those who stood against us! They are fallen, and their towns are in ruins! In the open day, by the light of the sun, the children of the prophet trod them under foot! and now we approach our homes! Towards the rising sun, we followed them; they fled! They were destroyed! they bled! and they were bound! On the fifth day of the week, blessed be the day! the standards of the prophet floated in the wind! The lightnings of my spears played around them! The neighings of my horses seemed like thunder to the unbelievers! They fell! The earth claimed them once more, and drank their blood! From the morning until black night we pursued them; and their blood was as food and refreshment to my strong-armed chiefs! Their women, their cattle, and their horses, were amongst our spoils; and he, who was, at the rising of the sun, surrounded by thousands of glittering spears, he, the king, was, on the going down thereof, deprived of all! He was left alone and deserted! David, my captain, my chosen captain, was covered with the blood of his enemies! His garments were of blood colour! He set his foot on the necks of the Kaffirs, as he drew out his never-failing spear, deep as it was in their gory forms! while with his sword he still satisfied his unappeased wrath. Forests of spears pierced our enemies! Cowards on that day were brave! The hitherto boasting but inactive soldier this day proved himself a hero! Who shall sing the deeds of my brave people, and do them justice? With death before their eyes, they embraced danger as a maiden whom they wished to enjoy, smiling, and proud of their strength; for glory to them was sweeter than new honey or virgin lips. The battle of spears was like a wedding feast, so joyous were my people! Surely their rage is like that of a furious lion in his wrath! which who shall restrain? They are a destroying fire in the eye of their enemies! Stronger than rocks are my followers! Spear them! spear them! till the sun sees their bones; and let their bodies be food for the birds and hyænas, while they resist the sword of the prophet! But oh! my people, spare the fallen! and those who implore mercy in the name of the One and Omnipotent! These were my words. Wading through blood, we arrived at the palace of the sultan. What were all my defeats, when compared to this victory!

“Lend your ears, oh my chiefs! ye who were present; for they are your deeds I sing! and ye also who were away; for I sing of your brethren and your children. It was on the first of the month, when we once more came on those, who were enemies to us, and to our faith!

“Tirab, chief in fight, raged alike with the strength of an elephant! and also his wisdom for two days! Four kingdoms towards the declining sun had been destroyed, and one to the south, five in number! Six months I had been from home, and on the seventh I made my return, after humbling my enemies, and binding them as slaves! As food is before the hyæna, so are their enemies before my people. They are devoured! But the prophet’s children are saved by God, who watches over true believers! As a thorn pierces whatever disturbs its retirement, so do my spear-hurling hosts dash their pointed javelins into the flesh of those who break our peace and our repose! When I cheer them on, miserable are they that oppose them! But he that submits, and acknowledges the One and Omnipotent, and his Prophet, blessed be God and his angels, shall receive mercy! I govern by the will of the most High, and by God’s decree, and administer the law of God, whose servant I am; and whoever dies under such law, paradise is his.”

* * * * *

No. XV.

_Translation of an extempore Arab Song._

“Oh! she was beauty’s self, and shone in matchless symmetry! When shall I hear news of her? how support her absence, and her loss? My hopes are but as the fantastic dreams of night; yet with this hopelessness my love does but increase, even as a star shines the brightest in the blackest night. O! Mabrooka! thy head sinks too with sorrow at losing him, whose thoughts are still of thee; but as the desert bird[79] drops and smooths its wing, but to display the richness of its plumage, so will thy silent grief but cause thee to appear with increased charms! Vain and cruel delusion! At the moment of the possession of earthly happiness to doom us to melancholy despair, was as if the traveller should draw water to the brink of the well, and then see the wished-for draught snatched from his thirsty lips!

“What she looks upon becomes graceful, enchanted by her loveliness! Oh! she is beauty’s self, my polar star[80] of life.”

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 79: Ostrich.]

[Footnote 80: The word in the original is jiddie, which guides the kafila in traversing the deserts, their track generally lying either north or south.]

* * * * *

No. XVI.

_Translation of the Song of the Fezzanneers, on Boo Khaloom’s
Death._

“Oh! trust not to the gun and the sword! The spear of the unbeliever prevails!

“Boo Khaloom, the good and the brave, has fallen! Who shall be safe? Even as the moon amongst the little stars, so was Boo Khaloom amongst men! Where shall Fezzan now look for her protector? Men hang their heads in sorrow, while women wring their hands, rending the air with their cries! As a shepherd is to his flock, so was Boo Khaloom to Fezzan!

“Give him songs! Give him music! What words can equal his praise? His heart was as large as the desert! His coffers were like the rich overflowings from the udder of the she-camel, comforting and nourishing those around him!

“Even as the flowers without rain perish in the field, so will Fezzaneers droop; for Boo Khaloom returns no more!

“His body lies in the land of the heathen! The poisoned arrow of the unbeliever prevails!

“Oh! trust not to the gun, and the sword! the spear of the heathen conquers. Boo Khaloom, the good and the brave, has fallen! Who shall now be safe?”

No. XVII.

_Bornou Vocabulary._

Good for nothing, Fussel

Good, Angala

Bad, Dibbe

Bread, Gorassa

Rice, Fergami

Come here, Arai natin

Go away, Lanai daka

Come to-morrow, Bali arai belte,

Come to-morrow night, Bali booni arai

Meat, Dha

Water, Inki

Bring water, Inki coutai

I wish to drink, Shay aski

Stay in the house, Arai fatto nemine

Sit down, Nemine

Bed, Boushe

Sheep, Anglaro

Bullock, Feea

Fowls, Koukee

Wind, Karouah

Sun, Kangal

Cold, Kakou

Hot to-day, Kow zow

Woman, Kano

Girl, Faro[81]

Fine girl, Faro angala

Rich girl, Faro sukala

Ugly girl, Faro dibbe

Father, Aba

My mother, Yany

Your mother, Yaanem

My brother, Crameny

My sister, Yaiany

Wife, Neka

Siriah, Keferoua

Hand, Musko

Leg, Segulni

White teeth, Teminy bull

Tongue, Telumny

A slave with large eyes, and Keir angala shem kora
handsome,

Great, Kora

Small, Gana

Old man, Keeary

Horse, Fur or Pur

Dog, Kree

Sweet milk, Kiam klee

Sour milk, Kyam

I wish to wash, Musco toliske

I will go to your house, Fanim laneskin

House, Fatto

God keep you in health, L’affia dagumba

How is your health? Are you Wanumba l’affia? La lay? Ba lay?
well? Are you well?

Breeches, Yangay

A pretty young slave, Keir gana angala

I give you a little physic: if Kergun gana gadishe atte keteen
that does not cure you, come baco, arai bali
to-morrow,

I am sick, Ou donde

I am a little better, Kermunga neske gana

Rains coming, Delaky goushe

Good day to you, Dibdony che l’affia

Good night to you, Booni che l’affia

Bad boy, Tetowa dibbe

Good boy, Tetowa angala

White man, Bull fulk

One, Telo

Two, Inde

Three, Yasko

Four, Dago

Five, Ooogoo

Six, Araska

Seven, Toolur

Eight, Waskoo

Nine, Lekar

Ten, Meagoo

Eleven, Meagoo lageree

Twelve, Indoore

Thirteen, Meagoo yaskun

Fourteen, Meagoo daree

Fifteen, Meagoo ouree

Sixteen, Meagoo araskee

Seventeen, Meagoo toluree

Eighteen, Meagoo waskun

Nineteen, Meagoo likareen

Twenty, Finde

Thirty, Fee askar

Forty, Fee daga

Fifty, Fee oogoo

Sixty, Fee raskee

Seventy, Fee tolur

Eighty, Fee tuskoo

Ninety, Fee lekar

One hundred, Mea

Poor man, Koua telleka

Sick man, Koua laka

Gussub, Ergum

Handsome woman, Kamoo angala

Very hot to-day, Kou dzow

Very cold, Kako ngubboo

Very dirty, Teginy kadafooa

Very clean, Teginy angala

Dead, Nuee

I, Ooma

You, Nema

Mine, Kakay

Yours, Kakanem

Sandals, Sono

Cap, Geaqua

You know every thing, Summa nunumba

I know nothing, Afeema noniskeni

I know, Noniski

Bring supper, Coutai bree

I wish to eat, Maniskin buskin

I look for food, Manimin boomin

I do not wish, Naguski baco

Have you got a little? Agoga nashe

I have nothing, Afeema baco

Honey, Kom̄agun

Wood, Kuska

At night eat supper, Booni bree boyee

Morning meal, Cheny feleski

I must go home, Oola niske fatto

Will you, or will you not? Rakami, rouanimy

I will not, Waniskee

Yes, Geree

No, Wankee

Breast, Gungy

Quick, Doua

Come, make haste, Arai doua

Black, Sellem

Red, Kemmy

White, Bull

Grass, Kajum

Straw, Soogoo

Mat, Suggady

I have many bullocks, Nanin fean’ gubboo

A great warrior, Bendugoo gubboo

I must buy a shirt, Koulko manki efeski

Tell me directly, Manany doua

I have no money, Nani gourse baco

I have no friend, Sobany baco

You are my friend, Nema sobany

You are not my friend, Ne sobany gani

I wish to sleep, Manki boniske

I do not sleep in the day, Kou boniske baco

Where is good water, very good? Indaran inki, angala lintia

This water is not good, Inki ada angalăgănĭ

Not good, Angalăgăny̆

I will give you nothing, Afeema giski baco

Call him, Booboonimin

Don’t beat him, Wata edkonimy

Strong, Kibboo

Weak, Kibboo gany

Strong slave, Keir kibboo

I wish to return to my country, Bellany laniski

Lion, Kourgilly

Ichneumon, Chorma

How many children have you? Tetoua ndago nanimin

Where is your country? Ndara bellanem

You are very handsome, Angala lintia

Come with me, Yeronemin langay

Go I cannot, Lanem baco

I am tired, M’bareski

Whip, Kourfo

Turban, Aliafo

Sword, Kazager

Looking-glass, Koutrum

Face, Fiska

My face, Fiskany

Your face, Fiskanem

His face, Fiskansa

Their faces, Fiskanday

My foot, Sheeny

Your foot, Sheenum

His foot, Sheensay

Their feet, Sheenday

All their feet, Sheenday andi summa

Beard, N’chitty

Foot, Shee

Feet, Shee ndiso

Fingers, Gulandoni

Toes, Fergamij

Who is that? N’dee aty

What is that? Aty a fee

What is your name? Nin dhu

Presently, Wakay

Wait a little, Dāgā dāgō

White trowsers, Yangay bull

White shirt, Kukoo bull

Blue shirt, Kulgoo kagi

Pillow, Beeree

Where are you going? Ndara doony min

Where are you come from? Ndara kadim

From the sheikh’s house I come, Fatto shoukobe kadisco

To-day, Kow

Yesterday, Biska

The day before yesterday, Biskada

Ass, Koro

Mule, Koro la fuddera

Handkerchief, Futtha. Not used

Crocodile, Timsa, karem

Hippopotamus, Nghroot

Many mosquitoes, Kantano n’gubboo

Hyena, Dela

Elephant, Kamāgun

Calf, Kena gana

Cow, Kena

Where are your shoes? Sononem daran

Where is your cap? Geaqua n’daran

A bad man, Koati dibbe

You are bad, Nema dibbe

Do you wish that woman? Kamo ati rakami

Not that one? This I wish, Ati waniski too raguski

Man, Kam

Woman, Kamo

A strong man, Kamqua

Two men, Kuandee

Two women, Kamundee

Camel, Kelgimmo

Camel’s saddle, Kantergue

Riding camel or maherhy, Kelgimmo serdebee

Wear your cap; the sun is Geaqua coutai kou n’gubboo
strong,

My house, Fany

The house of me, Fatto kakai

I will come at night, Ou boone leniske

It is now night, Kerama boone

Why did you not come yesterday? Afero biska issamy bah

I could not come, Issiskany

I am come to-day, Kou issisky

I am angry, Ou gergan iskana

Always, Zaar

I go on horseback, Kela furby linisky

Horse, Fur, or Pur

I go on foot, Sheenin linisky

Your house, Fanem

His house, Fansa

All their houses are one, Andi summa fanday telo

Give me this, Ougoaty orashe

A little, not much, Gana

Take care, Zebba

Now give me, Kormashee

Shut the door, Suganay tapah

Not now, Kormakany

By and by, Oo kanowaā

I will give you a handsome Koulko angala noroweskin
shirt,

I will dress you prettily, Kasamow angala noroweskin

Hear me, I say, Fanimy

God bless you, Allah kabunsho

May you live for ever, Engoubourou dagah

God send you a happy old age, Allah kiaro
literally gray hairs,

Bring water to wash my hands, Inki coutai muskowy toliske

To wash your hands, Muskonem tolei

Like a Bornowy, Kanourin kalcal

Near, Karengha

A long way off, Kiento rinta

Why are you afraid? Afero ranimin

You come directly? Kurma ma duaree

The day after to-morrow, Wagoro

Eat you, Nema booy

I can read, Rageski karaengen

Can you read? Ne karanemin bah

I cannot, Karaniskin baco

I know, Ooma nongana

You know, Nema nonema

He knows, Shema nosena

We know, Amgaso nony-enna

Ye know, Ande amgaso

They know, Nony-enna

Every body knows, Amsemma nozana

Nobody knows, Ondooma nozana baco

Gazelle, Engry

Ducks, Enguddoo

Vulture, Quogoo

Monkey, Daggel

Buffalo, Zamouse

I will not go, Laniski baco

I will come, Lazusko

Is it necessary for you? Ragumba

It is necessary, Ragiski

Now, Kurma

Not now, but in a little, Kurmagany, laga toosiny

Why is your cap off? Afero geaquanem gogo

It fell off, Oogony konusko

My horse, Furny

Your horse, Furnem

His horse, Furnsa

My hut, Engiminy

Your hut, Engiminem

His hut, Engiminsa

Onions, L’bussel

Wheat, Gomah

Gussub, Arkum

Fan of ostrich feathers, Kergeaga

Ostrich, Nham

Feathers, Riesh

I wish a man who knows the road Ooroo kam angala sidi Waday
to Waday, nosena

Do you know all the road? Sidi Waday nony mabah

All I know, Angaso nony ski

In the road, river great is Waday den komadagoo kora beetche
there?

There is, but not a great one, Beetche, gana laga

And a great deal of water, there N’gobboo gany inki enga
is not,

Gussub is there plenty? Argum beetche engubbooba

Rain little, and gussub Inki gana argum engubboo, gany
not much,

Last year rain plenty, more than Mindy inki engubboo kerma koge
at this time,

This year, Kimmindy

Last year, Mindy

Fish, Boony

Standard carried before the Yerma
Sultan of Bornou,

Fire bring, quick, quick, Kano coutai doua, doua

Fire bring, get supper, Kano coutai bree deniskin

Mount, we will go, Neebamin baa lanyée

Now I will come, Kurma mai issisky

I do not wish, Wanisky, wangy

Wait a little, now he will come, Garany gana kurma machin

Bring water, I will drink, Inki coutai yaskin

I will not come, Isiskin baco

Give grass to the horse to eat, Fena kajem furby zebbo

Nose bag, Engerky

The nose bag for the horse Engerky furby coutai
bring,

Fill it with gussub, Fegana argum

Give it him to feed, Yeshery zebbo

Does he feed? Zebbe ra-watche

He feeds, A zebbena

Feed he will not, Zebbin baco watche

Take off the nose bag, if he Zenney engerky watchea
will not,

Take him to drink, Yeati inkero

Give him well to drink, Y’eshero angeloro tsaa

Bucket none, yesterday broke, Kirfy baco biska creety

Go a bucket good buy, Lanee kerfy angala belinefay

Take care thieves don’t take it, Wata kaleny burbo gotzenu

I wish it, Oura kusku

Something I wish, Aqualaka oura kusku

What do you wish? Afferacum

Where are we going? Ainfera lanen

Near now we go? Karinga ateman lascia

Sunset before? Shall we stop? Magrubo setteny? Zubtsayu bah

We shall stop, Zubtsayu

At sunset we shall not stop, we Mugrubbo kelten zubtsay inde
shall go until Ashea; then we leesharo letzaya doo go zubtneia
shall stop,

Sunset before we shall return, Mugrubbo setteny doo goo lanem

To-day go, to-morrow come, Kou lanemya bali arai

You are very handsome, Neety angala engubboo

You than others I like best, Neety kamo gediro rakuskin ago
angalko

Speak true speeches, Mana gereby manany

It is necessary, I see the well, Kouroo garoubi ruguski,

This is my town now, Ate bellany kurma

I wish to see, Raguski rusky

Will you buy anything? Neema eefamy bah

I wish to buy, Raguski effuskin

I do not wish to buy, Wankee effeesky baco

I will not sell, Wankee ladisky baco

I wish to sell, Ragusky ladisky

Will you sell? Ladamin bah

My feet ache, Sheeny zow

Do your feet ache? Eenim zow bah

My legs, Shegul ny

My knees, Engurum grum kakai

My thighs, Dunomy

My loins, Duefurgy-ny

My belly, Suero-ny

My breast, Ingun geny

My neck, Dubboony

Woman’s breast, Tekkum

My mouth, Cheny

My nose, Kinoa-ny

My tongue, Telam-ny

My teeth, Teneeny

My cheeks, Gegaty

The eyes, Shem

The forehead, Engum

Eyebrows, Engum eshem

Ears, Summo

Head, Kla

This woman, her face is Kamo atteta feskansa angala
handsome,

Long gourd with a hole at each Zantoo
end, used by Tibboo and Bornou
as a musical instrument,

Wrapper or petticoat, Zeneh

Eggs, Gubbel

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 81: In the southern provinces of Bornou this is pronounced _Paro_.]

* * * * *

No. XVIII.

_Begharmi Vocabulary, taken from the mouth of the late Sultan’s son,
now a slave of the Sheikh of Bornou._

One, Keddy

Two, Sub

Three, Mattāh

Four, Soh

Five, Mee

Six, Meeka

Seven, Chilly

Eight, Marta

Nine, Doso

Ten, Dokemy

Eleven, Dokemy kar keddy

Twelve, Dokemy kar sub

Thirteen, Dokemy kar muttāh

Fourteen, Dokemy kar soh

Twenty, Doke sub

Twenty-one, Doke sub kar keddy

Twenty-two, Doke sub kar sub

Thirty, Doke muttah

Thirty-one, Doke muttah

Forty, Doke soh

Forty-one, Doke soh kar keddy

Fifty, Doke mee

Fifty-one, Doke mee kar keddy

Sixty, Doke muka

Sixty-one, Doke muka kar keddy

Seventy, Doke killy

Seventy-one, Doke killy kar keddy

Eighty, Doke marta

Ninety, Doke doso

One hundred, Arrou

One hundred and one, Arrou se keddy

Two hundred, Arrou sub

One thousand, Dooboo

Two thousand, Dooboo sub

Eyes, Kammo

Leaf of a plant, Kammo

Head, Geujo

Mouth, Tara

Door of a room, Tara be

Breast, Kājā

Sun, Kājā

Nose, Amo

Belly, Ngala

Thighs, Brinjee

Knees, Kejee

Legs, Kersha

Feet, Njanja

Flesh, Nja debe

Ox, Mungho

Flesh of an ox, Nja mungho

Sheep, Batta

Goat, Angha

Water, Mane

Flour, Jumo

Bread, Tabaka

No kinds of fruit known,
all plants different.

Onions, (Good, great.) Bussara

Honey, (Quantities Tejee,
eaten.)

Elephant, Keejee

Horse, Soudah

Mule, El Feddrah

Ass, (plenty), Krow

Dog, (many), Besee

Lion, (plenty), Tobio

Lioness, Tobiony

Leopard, Nugo

Gazelle, Ngria

Rabbit, Omo

Fowls, Kenja

Cock, Kla

Father, Babma

Mother, Konuma

Brother, Monnjema

Sister, Monnjum

Son, Wonma

Daughter, Wonum

Woman, Née

Man, Gaba

Wife, Neema

Favorite, Mandama

Noon, Dooro

Night, Njow

Sleep, Tonangy

Awake, Ingra

I am hungry, Bow

I am thirsty, Mane mukago

My friend, Kaffama

Your friend, Kaffaily

Bring supper, Du gesa

Come here, Da lullo

Go away, Abey

Hot, Kaisungoh

Cold, Kooloo

Fat, Booboo

Too hot, Kaigocho

Very cold, Koolo ognio

Wind, Leélee

Rain falls, Manet kudy

Boat, large, Toko

Small boat, Toko bassa

River, Bah

Great river, Bah nungolo

Near, Bony

Distant, Aouo

Very distant, Aouo killa hudder

Bad, Kussu

I have something, Congassa saikilly

I have nothing, Ngasskoto semki

Good man, Kab

Bad man, Kab-kussu

Young, N’bussa

Old, Kaddah

Handsome woman, Nein

Ugly woman, Nein kussu

Take that, Dibena magi

Merchant, Maly ocho

Slave, Baly

Woman slave, B’llow

White man, Kab n’jaffy

Slaves, Bakee

White woman, Nee njaffy

I will not, Gaily

To kill, Tolly qua

My house, Bema

Your house, Beay

To wound, Noyalee

Wheat, Gkal kumba

Gussub, Tenghoo

Dates, Depenow

Saddle, Serdee

Fire, Peddoo

Wood, Cheree

Bring some wood quick, Den cheree, keske, keske

I am ill, Mungaly

Are you ill? Gegony

Do you wish physic? Talem kourgoonoo

Come with me, Dejab kow

I am your friend, Ma kafai

I am your servant, Ma manai

Always, Njan

All, Petta

After, Belti

Before, Dencha

Mid-day, Kaisung-oo

Gafooly, Wah

Meloheiœ, Gongonbelto

Bridle, Al jemmo

Halter, Kabboomoo

Grass straw, Moo

Teeth, Nganah

* * * * *

No. XIX.

_Mandara Vocabulary, taken from the mouth of Achmet Mandara, a slave
of the Sheikh of Bornou._

One, Mtaque

Two, Sardah

Three, Kighah

Four, Fuddah

Five, Elibah

Six, N’quaha

Seven, Vouyah

Eight, Teesah

Nine, Musselman

Ten, Klaou

Twenty, Kulboa, kulla boa

Thirty, Kullo kegah

Forty, Kullo fuddah

Fifty, Kullo elibah

Sixty, Kullo N’quaha

Seventy, Kullo Vouga

Eighty, Kullo Teesa

Ninety, Kullo Musselman

One hundred, Drimka

Two hundred, Dibboo

Water, Yowah

Bring water, Sensa yowah

Meat, Souah

Gussub, Mudjuga

Man, Geela

Woman, Mug’sa

Girl, Gala

Handsome girl, Shugra

Ugly girl, Mowgwa

Good man, Zeeriah

Mother, Mama

Father, Dada

Brother, Malay

Sister, Koudray

Mountains, Ouvra

River, Gouah

Well, Souah

Spring, Pooshay

Great, Yeakay

Little, Chequah

Great mountains, Ouvre yeakay

Little sister, Koudray Chequah

Meal, breakfast, Dafah
_or_ supper,

To eat, Zuzie

Bring to eat, Senga dafah

I will not, Wyanga

Sultan, Tsuksa

I am tired, Yaluffa luffa

Good bye, N’gea dha

Day, Vechea

Night, Véggea

I must go, Amindala

Come here, Souah sokena

My wife, Muksanga

Your wife, Muksarwa

Good road, Oungala shrugra

Bad road, Oungala mangoua

Rice, Acheiah

Butter, Wyay

Honey, Ammah

Eyes, Echey

Nose, Ukteray

Mouth, Okay

Ears, Shimmah

Head, Erey

Female slave, Quatana

Male slave, Affee

Handsome slave, Quatana mugray

Grass, Massah

My country, Uksarwa

Your country, Uksangra

I wish to sleep, Wenwyah yeksentia sah

I am your friend, Tukkatarwa

Horse, Bilsah

Ox, Tsah

Tiger-cat, Oobellah

Tiger’s skin, Ogzo oobellah

Ass, Anzouwah

Sheep, Keoay

Rich man, Tallowah

Poor man, Tszuah

* * * * *

No. XX.

_Timbuctoo Vocabulary._

Come, Kaa

Go, Koey

Quickly, Tumba

Give me to eat, Kata mung-ha

Give me to drink, Katahary mungenee

I am thirsty, Hamai egowei

I, _or_ me, Ei

You, Ee

Him, Wo

They, Oo

Good, Abooree

Bad, Affootoo

Man, Harree

Woman, Weey

Girl, Izowy

Boy, Ezahary

Handsome woman, Weey tienta

Bad man, Harree footoo

Two eyes, Moh inka

Mouth, Mey

Beard, Kabi

Head, Bong-o

Horse, Barree

Camel, Yeo

Ass, Furka

Dog, Hanshe

Sheep, Fagee

An ox, Hou foh

Oxen, Hou bobo

Meat, Hum

Sweet milk, Wah gana

Sour milk, Wah coutoo

Sultan, Gabee coin

Bread, Takoola

River, Issa

Boat, Hee

House, Hoo

Slave, Bunneea

Female slave, Kong-o

Fire, Jarree

Night, Keegee

Day, Noony

Wood, Togoolee

Elephant, Turcondu

Water, Hary

Blood, Koorie

Knife, Hoorie

Gold, Oorah

Silver, N’zurfa

Turban, Tabbai

Tobe, Tilleby-kai

Breeches, Seeby

Sandals, Tarno

Cap, Foolah

Clouds, Beenee

Earth, Gunda

Mountain, Foudee

Well, Bungo

A ghrazzie, Wongo

Spear, Yagy

Mat, Tangaree

The truth, Keemy

That man lies, Wahareeagoothangany

Eat, Ngha

Foot, Kay

Hand, Kambah

One, Affoo

Two, Nahinka

Three, Nahinza

Four, Attakee

Five, Aggoo

Six, Iddoo

Seven, Ea

Eight, Yaha

Nine, Yugga

Ten, Auwy

Eleven, Auwy kindofoo

Twelve, Auwy kindoohinka

Thirteen, Auwy kindohinza

Fourteen, Auwy kindotakee

Fifteen, Auwy kindaggoo

Sixteen, Auwy kindo iddoo

Seventeen, Auwy kindoea

Eighteen, Auwy kindo yaha

Nineteen, Auwy kindoyugga

Twenty, Warunka

Twenty-one, Warunka kindofoo

Thirty, Warunza

Thirty-one, Warunza kindofoo

Forty, Waytakkee

Forty-one, Waytakkee kindofoo

Fifty, Wayaggoo

Fifty-one, Wayaggoo kindofoo

ZOOLOGY.

No. XXI.

Having been requested by the authors of the preceding narrative to describe the Zoological subjects collected during their journey, we think it right, in the first place, to notice the difficulties attending their acquisition and preservation. The European traveller, who is transported with equal comfort over the rugged heights of Mont Cenis, or along the level plains of Holland, can have little conception of the privations and distresses which attend the wanderer in the desert. The most feeble and timid may encounter the first task without fatigue or fear; but the _robur et æs triplex_ of a strong constitution, persevering patience, and undaunted courage, must fortify his resolution who directs his daring course through the sands of the Sahara.

Having arrived at the farthest point of their route, our travellers were occupied no less than five months in their return to Tripoli, pursuing their “weary way” almost wholly through deserts, and suffering severely by sickness and all sorts of privations. Their means, too, of skinning and preserving the animals they procured were of the slightest kind; the only cutting instrument they possessed being a penknife belonging to Major Denham, and a little arsenical soap, left from the stores of the late Mr. Ritchie, their sole antidote to protect the skins from moth and corruption. Such, however, was their ardour in the pursuit of Zoological subjects, that in spite of all the difficulties and drawbacks that beset them, they succeeded in collecting and bringing home upwards of a hundred specimens, and some of them in exceedingly good condition and of peculiar interest; though we regret to say, that less than a third of that number is all that have come into our hands, many of the subjects having fallen into utter decay.

Classis. MAMMALIA. _Auct._

Ordo. CARNASSIERS. _Cuv._

Tribus. CARNIVORES. _Cuv._

Stirps. DIGITIGRADES. _Cuv._

Genus. FENNECUS. _Lacep._

Species 1.—_Fennecus Cerdo._

Fennec. _Bruce_, vii. 231. (8vo). pl. 28.

Animal Anonyme. _Buff. Supp._ iii. 128. pl. 19. (1776).

Zerda. _Penn. Quad._ pag. 248. pl. 28.

Canis Cerdo. _Gmel. Linn._

Fennecus Brucii. _Desm. Mamm._ pl. 108. f. 4.

Canis Megalotis. _Griff. An. King._

This beautiful and extraordinary animal, or at least one of this genus, was first made known to European naturalists by Bruce, who received it from his drogoman, whilst consul general at Algiers. It was brought from Biscara by a Turkish soldier, from whom the janizary bought it, and who said it was not uncommon at that place, but was more frequently met with in the date territories of Beni Mezzab and Werglah, where these animals are hunted for their skins, which are afterwards sold at Mecca, and thence exported to India. Bruce kept his animal alive for several months, and took a drawing of it in water colours, of the natural size; a copy of which, on transparent paper, was clandestinely made by his servant. On leaving Algiers, Bruce gave the animal to Captain Cleveland, of the Royal Navy, who made a present of it to Mr. Brander, the Swedish consul. Mr. Brander, according to Sparman, as quoted by Bruce, gave an account of the animal in “some Swedish Transactions,” but refused to let the figure be published, the drawing having been unfairly obtained. Bruce asserts that this animal is described in many Arabian books, under the name of _El Fennec_, by which, he adds, that it is known all over Africa; he conceives the appellation to be derived from the Greek word φοινιξ, a palm, or date tree.

Engraved by E. Finden.

FENNECUS CERDO.

_Published Feb. 1826, by John Murray, London._]

After Bruce left Algiers, he met with two other Fennecs, one of which had been brought by the caravan of Fezzan to the Island of Gerba, from whence it was carried to Tunis, where Bruce saw it; the other he bought at Sennaar, but where it came from he knew not; though it seems probable that it was a native of the date villages in the desert of Selima. These animals exactly resembled the one first seen at Algiers, and were known by the name of Fennec, and by no other.

The favourite food of Bruce’s Fennec was dates, or any sweet fruit; but it was also very fond of eggs: when hungry it would eat bread, especially with honey or sugar. His attention was immediately attracted if a bird flew near him, and he would watch it with an eagerness that could hardly be diverted from its object; but he was dreadfully afraid of a cat, and endeavoured to hide himself the moment he saw an animal of that species, though he showed no symptoms of preparing for any defence. Bruce never heard that he had any voice. During the day he was inclined to sleep, but became restless and exceedingly unquiet as night came on.

Bruce describes his Fennec as about ten inches long; the tail, five inches and a quarter, near an inch of it on the tip, black; from the point of the fore-shoulder to that of the fore-toe, two inches and seven-eighths; from the occiput to the point of the nose, two inches and a half. The ears were erect, and three inches and three-eighths long, with a plait or fold at the bottom on the outside; the interior borders of the ears were thickly covered with soft white hair, but the middle part was bare, and of a pink or rose colour; the breadth of the ears was one inch and one eighth, and the interior cavity very large. The pupil of the eye was large and black; the iris, deep blue. It had thick and strong whiskers; the nose was sharp at the tip, black and polished. The upper jaw was projecting; the number of cutting teeth in each jaw, six, those in the under jaw the smallest; canine teeth, two in each jaw, long, large, and exceedingly pointed; the number of molar teeth, four on each side, above and below. The legs were small; feet very broad, with four toes, armed with crooked, black, and sharp claws on each; those on the fore-feet more crooked and sharp than those behind. The colour of the body was dirty white, bordering on cream-colour; the hair on the belly rather whiter, softer and longer than on the rest of the body. His look was sly and wily. Bruce adds that the Fennec builds his nest on trees, and does not burrow in the earth.

Illiger, in his generic description of _Megalotis_, states the number of molar teeth on each side of the upper jaw to be six, but gives no account of those in the lower; nor does it appear on what authority he describes the teeth at all, or where he inspected his type. In other respects, his description agrees pretty closely with that given by Bruce.

Sparman[82] took the Fennec to be of the species he has called Zerda, a little animal found in the sands of Cambeda, near the Cape of Good Hope; and Pennant and Gmelin have called Bruce’s animal, after Sparman, _Canis cerdo_; Brander considered it as a species of fox; Blumenbach rather as belonging to the Viverræ. Illiger quotes Lacépède as having made a distinct genus of it, _Fennecus_[83], and has himself placed it as one, under the name of Megalotis, in the order Falculata, in the same family with, and immediately preceding the genera Canis and Hyena.

M. Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, assuming Bruce’s account to be imperfect and inaccurate, supposes that the Fennec is neither more nor less than a Galago; but M. Desmarest differs from him in opinion, and places it in a situation analogous to that assigned it by Illiger, at the end of the Digitigrades, in the order Carnassiers. Cuvier merely takes the following short notice of this animal in a note, “Le Fennec de Bruce que Gmelin a nommé _Canis cerdo_, et Illiger _Megalotis_, est trop peu connu pour pouvoir être classé. C’est un petit animal d’Afrique, dont les oreilles égalent presque le corps en grandeur, et qui grimpe aux arbres, mais on n’en a descrit ni les dents ni les doigts.” (Reg. Anim. I. 151. note). This eminent zoologist appears from the above to hold our countryman’s veracity, or at least his accuracy of observation, and fidelity of description, in the same low estimation as M. Geoffroy Saint Hilaire; or he would hardly have talked of the ears of the Fennec being nearly as large as its body[84], or have asserted that neither the teeth nor toes have been described. But the illustrious foreigners of whom we have, in no offensive tone we hope, just spoken, are not the only persons who have hesitated to place implicit confidence in all that Bruce has given to the world: his own countrymen have shown at least an equal disposition to set him down as a dealer in the marvellous. Time, however, and better experience, are gradually doing the Abyssinian traveller that justice which his cotemporaries were but too ready to deny him.

M. Desmarest considers all the characters which Bruce has given of the Fennec as correct, “not conceiving it possible, that he could have assumed the far too severe tone he adopted in speaking of Sparman and Brander, if he had not been perfectly sure of his facts.”

Mr. Griffith has given the figures of two animals, both, as he conceives, belonging to this genus; one of them came from the Cape of Good Hope, and is now in the Museum at Paris; it is named by Cuvier _Canis megalotis_, and is described by Desmarest in his Mammalogie, (Ency. Meth. Supp. p. 538): Major Smith has called it _Megalotis Lalandii_, to distinguish it from Bruce’s Fennec. The other animal is from the interior of Nubia, and is preserved in the Museum at Frankfort. Both the figures are from the accurate and spirited pencil of Major Hamilton Smith. The first animal is as large as the common fox, and decidedly different from Bruce’s Fennec; the second, Major Smith considers to be Bruce’s animal.

In the fifth volume of the Bulletin des Sciences, sect. 2. p. 262., is an extract from a memoir of M. Leuckart, (Isis, 2 Cahier, 1825), on the _Canis cerdo_, or Zerda of naturalists, in which it is stated that M. M. Temminck and Leuckart saw the animal in the Frankfort Museum, which had been previously drawn by Major Smith, and recognized it for the true Zerda; and the former gentleman, in the prospectus of his _Monographies de Mammalogie_, announced it as belonging to the genus Canis, and not to that of Galago. M. Leuckart coincides in opinion with M. Temminck, and conceives that the genus Megalotis, or Fennecus, must be suppressed, “the animal very obviously belonging to the genus Canis, and even to the subgenus Vulpes.” He adds, “that it most resembles the _C. corsac_; the number of teeth and their form are precisely the same as those of the fox, which it also greatly resembles in its feet, number of toes, and form of tail. The principal difference between the fox and the Zerda consists in the great length of the ears of the latter and its very small size.”

The singular controversy, not even yet decided, that has arisen respecting this little animal, has induced us to preface our description of the individual before us, by this sketch of its history.

FENNECUS. _Dentium formula.—Dentes primores_ 6—6 / 6—6, _laniarii_ 1—1 / 1—1, _molares_ 6—6 / 7—7?

_F. supra rufescenti-albus, subtus pallidior; maculâ suboculari rufâ; caudæ maculâ sub-basali nigrescenti-brunneâ, apice nigro._

Dimensions. Inches.

Length of the head from the extremity of the nose to
the occiput, 3⅜

Breadth between the eyes, 0⅞

Length of ears, 3⅛

Breadth of do. at the widest part, 2

Breadth of the cranium between the ears, 1⅝

Length from the occiput to the insertion of the tail, 9½

Tail, 6

[85]Height before, from the ground to the top of the
back, above the shoulder, 6⅝

[85]Height behind, to the top of the back above the
loins, 7½

Breadth of the extremity of the nose, 0⁵⁄₁₆

Length of the middle claws of the fore feet, 0⁷⁄₁₆

Exterior do. do. 0½

Middle and exterior claws of the hind feet, 0½

The general colour is white, slightly inclining to straw-yellow; above, from the occiput to the insertion of the tail it is light rufous brown, delicately pencilled with fine black lines, from thinly scattered hairs tipped with black; the exterior of the thighs is lighter rufous brown; the chin, throat, belly, and interior of the thighs and legs are white, or cream colour. The nose is pointed, and black at the extremity; above, it is covered with very short, whitish hair inclining to rufous, with a small irregular rufous spot on each side beneath the eyes; the whiskers are black, rather short and scanty; the back of the head is pale rufous brown. The ears are very large, erect, and pointed, and covered externally with short, pale, rufous-brown hair; internally, they are thickly fringed on the margins with long greyish-white hairs, especially in front; the rest of the ears, internally, is bare; externally, they are folded or plaited at the base. The tail is very full, cylindrical, of a rufous-brown colour, and pencilled with fine black lines like the back; its colour is rather deeper above than on the under part, and there is a small dark brown spot, at about an inch below its insertion on the upper side; the ends of the hairs at the extremity of the tail are black, forming a black tip about three quarters of an inch long. The anterior feet are pentadactylous, the posterior tetradactylous, and both are covered to the claws with moderately long whitish hairs, slightly inclining to straw-yellow; the claws are of a yellowish-white, or light horn-colour, moderately hooked, very much compressed, and very sharp; those on the hinder toes are most compressed, longest, and least arched. The fur is very soft and fine; that on the back, from the forehead to the insertion of the tail, as well as that on the upper part of the shoulder before, and nearly the whole of the hinder thigh, is formed of tri-coloured hairs, the base of which is of a dark lead colour, the middle white, and the extremity light rufous brown.

The teeth of our animal are much worn, apparently by age; the incisors in the upper jaw are nearly even, the second pair rather broader than the rest; of those in the lower jaw, the outer pair are considerably the largest.