134 A TROPICAL DEPENDENCY adopted by the traveller as he approaches the capital of Melle.

Quitting the Niger at Segou, ''we travelled," he says, "towards the river Sansarah, which is about ten miles from Melle. The custom is to forbid the entrance of Melle to any one who has not obtained permission, but I had written beforehand to some of the principal personages in the white community of Melle to engage a house for me, and no objection was made to my entrance." He went at once to the white quarter of the town, and found that one of his friends who was a lawyer had hired a house for him just opposite to his own. Ibn Batuta took possession of the house without delay. Food and wax candles were supplied to him, and on the following day he received visits from distinguished persons, of whom he subjoins a list. Amongst these there were men of letters, lawyers, jurisconsults. One black judge is specially mentioned as a man of merit, "adorned with most noble qualities." The royal herald Dougha, also a "black of great distinction," and holding one of the principal positions at court, was among his early visitors. These men and others all sent him presents and compliments, and caused him to feel at once that in the capital of the kingdom he was treated with the consideration which was his due.

The reigning king was somewhat miserly, and seldom gave presents of any value. He at first paid no attention to the arrival of the distinguished traveller, but during the period of Ibn Batuta s stay in the town the sorrowful news was received of the death of the Sultan of Morocco, Abou el Haen. The king on that occasion gave a "banquet of condolence," and Ibn Batuta was invited. The governors, the jurisconsults, the judge, and the principal preacher of the mosque, are mentioned as being present. Caskets containing chapters of the Koran were apparently taken by the guests, and the entire Koran was read through on the occasion. Prayers were offered