very large lion, said h e ; and made signs for me to ride away. But my horse was too much fatigued : so we rode slowly past the bush, from which the animal had given us the alarm. Not seeing any thing myself, however, I thought my guide had been mistaken, when the Foulah suddenly put his hand to his mouth, exclaiming, Soubab an allahi, (God preserve us!) and to my great surprise, I then perceived a large red lion, at a short distance from the bush, with his head couched between his fore paws. I expected he would instantly spring upon me, and instinctively pulled my feet from my stirrups, to throw myself on the ground, that my horse might become the victim, rather than myself. But it is probable the lion was not hungry ; for he quietly suffered us to pass, though we were fairly within his reach. My eyes were so riveted upon this sovereign of the beasts, that I found it impossible to remove them, until we were at a considerable distance. We now took a circuitous route, through some swampy ground, to avoid any more of these disagreeable rencounters. At sunset we arrived at Modi- boo ; a delightful village on the banks of the Niger, commanding a view of the river for many miles, both to the east and west. The small green islands (the peaceful retreat of some industrious Foulahs, whose cattle are here secure from the depredations o f wild beasts), and the majestic breadth of the river, which is here much larger than at Sego, render the situation one of the most enchanting in the world. Here are caught great plenty of fish, by means of long cotton nets, which the natives make themselves; and use nearly in the same manner as nets are used in Europe. I observed the head of a crocodile lying upon one of the houses, which they told me had been killed by the shepherds, in a swamp near the town. These animals are not uncommon in the Niger ; but I believe they are not oftentimes found dangerous. They are of little account to the traveller when compared with the amazing swarms o f muskètoes, which rise from the swamps and creeks, in such numbers as to harass even the most torpid of the natives ; and as my clothes Were now almost worn to rags, I was but ill prepared to resist their attacks. I usually passed the night, without shutting my eyes, walking backwards and forwards, fanning myself with my hat ; their stings raised numerous blisters on my legs and arms ; which, together with the want of rest, made me very feverish and uneasy. July 29th. Early in the morning, my landlord observing that I was sickly, hurried me away ; sending a servant with me as a guide to Rea. But though I was little able to walk, my horse was still less able to carry me ; and about six miles to the east of Modiboo, in crossing some rough clayey ground, he fell ; and the united strength of the guide and myself, could not place him again upon his legs. I sat down for some time, beside this worn-out associate Of my adventures ; but finding him still unable to rise, I took off the saddle and bridle, and placed a quantity of grass before him. I surveyed the poor animal, as he lay panting on the ground, with sympathetic emotion ; for 1 could not suppress the sad apprehension, that I should myself, in a short time, lie down and perish in the same manner, of fatigue and hunger. With this foreboding, I left my poor horse ; and with great reluctance followed my E e
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