154 TRIBES BORDERING ON KORDOFAN, the country of the Shilluks, totally unknown in Kordofan and Sennaar. The natives call it denk ; it is said to be rather larger than a rat, of an ashgrey colour, and to resemble a monkey in shape; the fore and hind paws, they say, are like the hands and feet of man ; the tail is very short. This animal feeds on gum, climbs the trees, but cannot jump from branch to branch like the monkey.

There are no camels in the country, on account of that destructive fly called here Yohara.

At a distance of about twenty or thirty hours' march southward and to the south-east of Lobeid, the free negroes live, who are in part tributary to Kordofan ; the tribute, however, is always levied by force from these tribes. They resemble each other perfectly in stature and features, but converse in different languages—thus, in one day's march, many different dialects and languages may be heard spoken: it would appear, however, that the language of the Takale, Kodero, and Schabun are of the same root.

The largest tribe with which I am acquainted calls itself Nuba, and occupies a large extent of the mountainous tract. The Nuba are republicans, and recognise no superior authority beyond their particular sheikh, who, however, plays a passive part only, for his jurisdiction does not extend beyond the confines of one village. Even one of these chiefs, if obnoxious to the greater number, is immediately deprived of his dignity, and superseded by another sheikh, elected by a majority of votes. It is for this