Seven Years in the Soudan.

CHAPTER XX rV.

THE CONQUEST OF THE SHILLUKS.

The conquest of the fShilliiks — Granaries of the Soudan — Capital of tlie Shilluks — Molianied Her — Mussa lasha — Expedition of the Arab merchants — Defeat of tlie Sliilluks — Trade in slaves — Epidonic at Khartoum — (.'apture of twenty thousand slaves — The Arabs imprisoned.

Ajiono the population and tribes put to the liardest proof and most persecuted hj the Government of the Soudan, is that of the Sliilluks, "who, by the vast territory they occupy, constitute a poAverful and rich people. From the part opposite to Kava, as far as Bahr-el-Ghazal and the Sobat, their dominion extended, and it is difficult to say up to what point towards the west their boundaries might stretch. Agriculturists jidv excellence, they could exchange their doora with all the bordering countries. Khartoum itself Avas ])rovided Avith needful cereals from the Shilluk countries, which Avere called " the granaries of the Soudan." Cattle Avere so abundant that the owners did not cA'en knoAA' hoAv many head they possessed.

The confines of the Egyptian Government onlv extended to Kava. This latter place was the great market Avhere the Shilluks and the Arabs of Khartoum met.

The articles brought to Kava were, ivor}, indiarubber, ostrich-feathers, hippopotami-hides, goatskins, oxen, and butter, which the Shilluks exchanged for cotton cloths, glass beads, iron, copper, brass wire, and scented woods for perfumes.