16 TRAVELS IN AFRICA.

obliged to halt, in order to cut a passage through

the thicket of cane, which covered its banks. We were all so much fatigued that we could

scarcely keep our eyes open ; indeed many of

the men fell asleep on the path. A few shots

were fired, to apprise the inhabitants of the

neighbouring villages of our arrival, and in

about two hours, they made their appearance

from different directions, bringing corn, rice,

and pistacios for sale.

Both men and animals were so much ex-

hausted, that it was found necessary to halt un-

til the 18th, when we moved forward at eight,

A. M. and, travelling east for about two miles up

hill, we passed a deserted town, from which we

continued marching on a level barren plain for

six miles, and then descending gently for

about four miles more, we arrived at the Ru-

ling, a fine sti'eam running nne. We crossed

it, and halted on its eastern bank for the night. We had scarcely unloaded the animals when the

long dry grass to windward of our position was

set fire to, and nothing but the greatest exertion

on the part of the men could have prevented it

from destroying the whole of our baggage.

It behoves travellers in that country to be ex-

tremely guarded in their choice of a halting-

place, for the path generally lies through grass

six or seven feet long, and so dry at that season.