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

Chapter 69: THE END.

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About This Book

The narrative records an official mission across the central Sahara, combining route descriptions, caravan logistics, and vivid sketches of towns and oases such as Tintalous and Aghadez. It documents encounters with local rulers and communities, notes on Islam's practice, secret societies, popular beliefs about meteors and charms, and social customs including dances, domestic discipline, and hospitality. Ethnographic materials include a substantial Kailouee vocabulary, linguistic comparisons, accounts of trade in salt and agate, well locations, camel and bullock transport, and medical and commercial exchanges. Observations alternate travel diary entries, political intrigue, and natural-history and meteorological remarks, producing a detailed field record of Sahara travel.

[25] In the former route, Basher is given as only three hours from Kuka. In the next route, Bagusu is made eight hours from Kuka, whilst a little back we have it set down at only half that distance. These discrepancies, of course, set geographers on their guard against placing any absolute dependence on native reports. I remember once questioning the inhabitants of a village in Egypt about the distance of a particular place. One said, five or six hours; others said, a short day; and others, a long day. However, by comparison of various statements, perhaps something like the truth may be reached.—Ed.

[26] These countries seem very far south, and yet are said to be under the Sheikh. More information is required on this point.

[27] G, large place, or town; S, small place, village. Dictated by the Fellatah horse-dealer, Nammadina.

THE END.

LONDON: PRINTED BY G. BARCLAY, CASTLE ST. LEICESTER SQ.