FROM KAYES TO TIMBUKTU \ forgotten how the time went in the society of a coal black Circe.

Meanwhile, we Europeans amused ourselves far more usefully in arranging for our further journey, and in trying the effect on the natives of our most attractive possessions, viz. the little organ, the bicycle, and the phonograph.

The organ had already done wonders, and as for our Suzanne as we called our bicycle, she caused a perfect delirium of joy.

Mademba had an ancient-looking negress of Amadu, named Yakard, in his suite. She was really only about forty years old, but she was considered one of the cleverest women in all Bambara.

There was a certain ring about her songs of war and love which would be appreciated even in Europe, and the following specimen, in which she glorifies Donga or the vulture, Monson, the greatest favia of Bambara, will serve to give an idea of the rhythm.

Braves I Heroes, who of you dares rail at Donga ? I tell you evil will come upon you if you mock at him.

Raillery of him was fatal to Diakuruna Tutun. Samaniana Baci thought to play with Donga, He fancied he could make merry with him ; But that did not please the vulture, And he took Bamana Dankun And cut off his head, yes, took his head from his shoulders.

Dankun had only said that the Bambaras Could not pause in sacrifices already begun.

I sing of Donga Jaribata, The vulture of four wings, * Bamana Dankun had replied to Monson who had called him, " I will come ; when I have finished the sacrifices I am offering, I will come."

Hence the anger of the Fama, * I have failed to ascertain the meaning of the word JaribcUa, The griots sometimes use words in their songs, which the present natives of Bambara do not themselves understand, and which may perhaps be survivals of a now extinct language.