He cannot precisely tell the number of troops, but believes the
king can raise 70,000 to 80,000 horse, and 100,000 foot. The horses
45 are poor and small, except a few kept for the king's own use. He
has no well-bred mares. Their arms are the same as at Timbuctoo;
the muskets, which are matchlocks, are made in the country. They
are very dexterous in throwing the lance. Gunpowder is also
manufactured there; the brimstone is brought from Fas; the charcoal
they make; and he believes they prepare the nitre.[83] Their arrows
are feathered and barbed; the bows are all cross-bows, with
triggers; the arrows, 20 to 40 in a quiver, are made of hides, and
hang on the left side. The king never goes to war in person. The
soldiers have a peculiar dress; their heads are bare; but the
officers have a kind of turban; the soldiers have a shirt of coarse
white cotton, and yellow slippers; those of the officers are red.
Some have turbans adorned with gold. They carry their powder in a
leather purse; the match, made of cotton, is wound round the gun;
they have flint and steel in a pouch, and also spare matches.
[Footnote 83: The saltpetre and brimstone are probably derived
from Terodant in Suse, where both abound.]