Page 105

27f 50

Bornnose. Large red mantles, some ornamented with silk or gold lace. Horses, which, if tall, will sell very readily for fifteen, or even in some places twenty negresses. Though the purchasers take the trouble to look at their teeth, they scarcely know a colt from an old horse. All animals of an imposing appearance, and long legs, are eagerly purchased. Glass armlets, o f black and blue, made at Venice. Powder, flints, and lead in bullets, sell quickly. Muslins. F or the chiefs to make shirts or turbans. Bales o f linen. Thread, and gold thread, which the natives sometimes spin, mixing it with their cotton cloths. Sundries. Such as files, chisels, and hammers; a few perfumes, little boxes, and toys; all o f which can be procured in Europe for a mere trifle. Nearly the whole of these articles are brought from Tripoli or Egypt, and are very dear even in Morzouk. We had none of these goods, which alone are objects of trade in the interior. In Exchange fo r which the Traders bring from Soudan, Slaves. Chiefly females, the males Rot being worth so much money by nearly one-third, or sometimes one-half; are the principal goods brought by the dealers. Zebed (civet.) Obtained from the cats which are kept in cages, and are at stated periods irritated to such a degree, that a profuse perspiration takes place, and the perfume is secreted in some folds under the ta il; which, by securing the animal, they scrape off, and preserve in small boxes made o f hide. A savage old cat will produce ten or twelve dollars’ worth in three heats. Their price is enormous, some being sold for three or four slaves. Zeneh.. A striped cotton petticoat, worn as a wrapper by all the women: the patterns are various; some are very handsome, both in the arrangement of the colours and in the workmanship. Cottons. Dark blue, called Turkedi, striped blue and white, red and blue, and in fact of many patterns; amongst others, chequered like the sailors’ shirts. All these cloths are woven in webs about three or four inches in breadth ; they are sewed very neatly together, and are excessively strong. Tobe, or large shirts, much varied in colours and prices; the best are called Sarnia, of blue cotton and white silk woven in stripes. A female slave is considered a fair exchange for one of these shirts; others are at seven or eight dollars each. White ones are also made, but not considered equal to the blue. The names of those most commonly brought are, Massaquari, Sharia, Sháta, Shinni, Freezy, and Abiad, or white. Aba. Of cotton : it is a large shawl or wrapper, used and worn nearly as the barracans or abas of the Arabs and Moors. These Wrappers are always striped, and generally very handsome; they are called Melhaffi Zaberma. Gold. In dust, and small bars or rings. This precious metal is not brought openly, owing to the avarice of the Sultan ; and the amount is Very small in comparison with the commerce in the time of the last Sultan. I t is valued at about one dollar and a half the Mitgal, or about the Seventh part of an ounce. Leather. Hides of sheep and goats, dyed and prepared extremely well, of yellow, red, or black ; they are even glazed in the same way as moroGco leather. The skins of bullocks prepared with grease (of which Water buckets and sandals are generally made), and quite pliable. Many ornamental articles in leather are also brought; amongst others the Mokhadda, or pillows, which are beautifully made. They are mostly of red or yellow, with figures and ornaments dyed in black or blue, and tassels hanging at the ends. x 2


27f 50
To see the actual publication please follow the link above