12 TIMBUCTOO.

are beds, mats on the floor, and the carpets, which cover the whole room. The rooms are

about fourteen feet by ten ; the kitchen and

wash-house are generally to the right and to the

left of the passage ; the necessary is next the

wash-house.

^

GOVERNMENT.

Timbuctoo is governed by a native black, who

has the title of sultan. He is tributary to the

sultan of Housa, and is chosen by the inhabit-

ants of Timbuctoo, who write to the king of Housa for his approbation. Upon the death of

a sultan, his eldest son is most commonly chosen.

The son ofa concubine cannot inherit the throne

;

if the king has no lawful son (son of his wife)

at his decease, the people choose his successor from among his relations. The sultan has only one lawful wife, but keeps many concubines :

the wife has a separate house for herself, chil-

dren, and slaves. He has no particular esta-

blishment for his concubines, but takes any girl

he likes from among his slaves. His wife has

the principal management of his house. The

sultan's palace is built in a corner of the city,

on the east; it occupies a large extent of ground

within an inclosure, which has a gate. Within

this square are many buildings ; some for the

officers of state. The king often sits in the gate

to administer justice, and to converse with his

friends. There is a small garden within it, fur-

y Being more convenient for the Muhamedan ablutioni.