of Kadawee, and our opinions agreed upon its execution, we encamped
out, with our troops, commanded by general Aly Jedo. After leaving
Manee, or Moona, we marched till we arrived at the west suburbs of
the capital, where we found the infidels prepared and intrenched
within some thickets. We fought them; and God Almighty gave us the
victory. We then proceeded till we reached Boori, about half a day’s
journey from Kadawee, where our friends, the tribes of the Falateen,
who had fought the infidels at the right side suburbs, sent and
announced to us that they (the infidels) had embraced Mooslemanism;
and that a great number, of both settlers and wanderers, who had been
beaten by our other troops, had also followed their example. The
fight continued on that day till our soldiers reached Jerwa; which
place is very near the capital. At sunset, I and my guards retired
from the western suburbs, but our people besieged the southern;
and the next morning when our brother, the pious Namooda, arrived
with his troops, they advanced upon the eastern suburbs. We then
held a council and agreed to attack the city, notwithstanding the
immense number of the enemy’s troops (whose amount God only knows)
that was collected in it. This being known, every one of our party,
who were besieged in it, and made their escape, came to us. After
encamping at Manee, and most of our friends and people had joined
us, we marched, commanded by the great vizier Abdullah, till we
arrived at Boori, where we stayed till the rest of our followers
reached us. We now marched towards Ghazik, and early in the morning
came near the capital, which was very strongly fortified, and well
protected by being situated between trees and thickets. Our general
hastened and advanced till he reached the vanguard of the enemy,
where he found that they had prepared, on each side of the town,
a company to defend it. They sallied forth, and bore upon our left;
we resisted and fought them for an hour, while their people, from the
fortifications of the city, were shooting upon our troops volleys of
arrows: so that we were attacked on one side by their troops, who came
out to us, and on the other by their archers from the town. During
this engagement my uncle was wounded in the foot. God Almighty,
however, helped us against them, and we routed their troops; and,
when we obtained this advantage of their backs, the battle became
very hot and sanguinary. I pursued them with a portion of our troops
(while the rest, on the right wing of the army, remained fighting
against the city), till I drove them towards the place where
I was encamped. I then sent to the right wing to join me; and,
while we were thus engaged, the enemy came out with a fresh body
of horsemen and followed us. On seeing this movement, I hid myself,
with a number of my cavalry, till they passed and got near our troops,
whereupon I started and bore upon them from behind; by which surprise
God dispersed and made them fly. We then returned to our troops, and
encamped till the next morning, when the enemy sent out against us an
immense number of horsemen, at whose head we thought was their prince
himself. Our cavalry started and met them; and after a severe battle,
routed them. We pursued them till we reached Zoghrob, on the right
side of the capital, where we rested three nights, and then marched
to re-attack it. On Sunday morning we fought the enemy most terribly,
till it appeared as if the city was on the point of being opened
to us. In this battle a great number of our people fell martyrs,
and we killed as many of the enemy. At sunset we retired to the camp.
“Here the Tawarek conducted themselves with treachery and deceit:
they came to us and declared their submission; but, afterwards,
they went to the infidel Soodan, and united with them against
us. They, likewise, on seeing our success in the first action,
swore and agreed among themselves, to seize upon and capture our
family. But our friend and brother, the most virtuous among them,
Ahmed ben Heeda, having written to us a detail of their design,
and cautioned us, we immediately despatched a part of our troops,
headed by the vizier, to protect our family. I remained with the
rest of the army, contending with the enemy, till the vizier returned
and brought the family safe to us.
“During his absence, however, I sent a body of soldiers to seize
upon Ackoowee; which they pillaged, and returned safely, bringing
with them an immense booty.
“In the mean time the noble shaikh, my father, moved with a
multitude of troops, and arrived at Boori; where, on hearing of his
march, I repaired to meet him.
“The Tawarek again deceived us, by writing letters, in which
they pledged themselves to meet and unite with us. But when they
assembled and joined us, and we encamped at Thunthoo, and our people
were scattered in search of provisions, while only the nobles and
leaders remained in the camp, we were surprised by the appearance of
the enemy near us. The nobles then started to encounter them with
what they could collect of our troops, while I and my company were
intrenched behind our baggage and animals. At this moment, our friend,
the pious brother of the shaikh Saado, came to our assistance, with
the royal standard in his hand, and desired that we should advance
against the enemy immediately. I told him, he had better wait till
they approached us nearer. He refused, and advanced by himself and
people. I, being very ill, was obliged to remain behind. They reached
the enemy, prepared, and darted upon them. After a severe action of
an hour, the enemy fled, but not without a great number of our people
having fallen martyrs. By this time, our uncle, the vizier, came to
our succour, followed by the noble shaikh, our father, and his party.
“They pursued the enemy, and God gave them the victory, and enabled
them to plunge their weapons into their bodies, and disperse them
in shreds (small parties). In this engagement we lost about 2,000
martyrs, most of whom were of our best soldiers, and of the most
pious and virtuous of our men: as the chief justice Mohammed Thanboo,
the noble Saado, Mahmood Ghordam, Mohammed Jamm, the learned and
intelligent poet and reciter Zaid, Aboo-bakr Bingoo, the true diviner
Es-sudani, and several others. After burying as many as we could of
them, we retired and encamped till the next morning, when we buried
the rest. This battle took place about two miles from Kadawee.”
The manuscript ends thus:
“Ended, by the grace and assistance of God, the writing of this
extract, by the hand of its writer, on Wednesday about noon, the 29th
of Rajab, 1239 of Hejra, for Rayes Abdallah, the English Christian,
in the city of Sackatoo, of the country of Houssa, residence of the
prince of the believers, Mohammed Bello; whom may God cause to be
ever victorious! Amen.”
No. XIV.
_The Song of Mohammed-Alameen ben Mohammed El-Kanemy, Sheikh of the
Koran, Lawgiver to Bornou, and Governor of Kanem, on his return from
the Begharmi Country in 1821. Translated by Major Denham._
“I return to my people, the people of my heart, and the children
of my solicitude! At break of day, fasting, coming towards Kouka,
with my morning prayer on my lips, in sight of the gate, the gate
that saw me depart! The morning wind blew fresh and cool, yet mild as
the evening breeze. The battle of spears had been long doubtful; but
had ended in glory! had covered my people with honour and victory,
God Almighty assisting us! These were our deeds; they lived in
the memory of all. Oh! glorious expedition! But the greatest joy
must be told; the joy, oh, how exquisite! the recovery of my lost
love! a part of myself. Her high and noble forehead, like the new
moon, and nose like the rainbow! Her arched eyebrows reaching to
her temples, overhanging eyes than which the moon is less bright,
as it shines through darkness! large piercing eyes, whose looks
never could be mistaken! A single glance at these her all-conquering
beauties instantly called her to my mind with all the graces of her
disposition; lips sweeter than honey, and colder than the purest
water! Oh! dearest of my wives! Heaven’s own gift! what were my
sensations when I removed the veil from thy face! Thou knewest
me not in thy alarm; animation had left thee! Thou knewest not
what was to follow; and thy large eyes had closed in despair! It
seemed that lightning had struck me with its fire! As the light
of morning dispels the blackness of night, so did she, reviving,
impart to me a gladness overpowering as the blood-red sun, when it
breaks forth in its splendour, warming the sons of earth with its
re-animating fires. I thought of the day when she was blooming in
my presence, when the news of her loss came to me like a blast from
the desert. My head was laid low with sorrow! The Spring returned
with its freshness; but its showers could not revive my drooping
head! Who shall now tell of my joy? From her shoulders to her waist,
how fair is her proportion! When she moves, she is like branches
waved by a gentle breeze! Silks from India are less soft than her
skin; and her form, though noble, is timid as the fawn! Let this
my joy be proclaimed to all my people! Let them take my blessing,
and give me congratulation! Their chief is alive, returns, and is
victorious! All my people, even little children, shall sing these
our deeds; all must share in the joy of their chief, as well those
whose age prevents their sharing my glories, as those who have yet
to learn the path of heroes! God has made us to overcome those who
stood against us! They are fallen, and their towns are in ruins! In
the open day, by the light of the sun, the children of the prophet
trod them under foot! and now we approach our homes! Towards the
rising sun, we followed them; they fled! They were destroyed! they
bled! and they were bound! On the fifth day of the week, blessed
be the day! the standards of the prophet floated in the wind! The
lightnings of my spears played around them! The neighings of my horses
seemed like thunder to the unbelievers! They fell! The earth claimed
them once more, and drank their blood! From the morning until black
night we pursued them; and their blood was as food and refreshment to
my strong-armed chiefs! Their women, their cattle, and their horses,
were amongst our spoils; and he, who was, at the rising of the sun,
surrounded by thousands of glittering spears, he, the king, was,
on the going down thereof, deprived of all! He was left alone and
deserted! David, my captain, my chosen captain, was covered with the
blood of his enemies! His garments were of blood colour! He set his
foot on the necks of the Kaffirs, as he drew out his never-failing
spear, deep as it was in their gory forms! while with his sword he
still satisfied his unappeased wrath. Forests of spears pierced our
enemies! Cowards on that day were brave! The hitherto boasting but
inactive soldier this day proved himself a hero! Who shall sing the
deeds of my brave people, and do them justice? With death before
their eyes, they embraced danger as a maiden whom they wished to
enjoy, smiling, and proud of their strength; for glory to them was
sweeter than new honey or virgin lips. The battle of spears was like
a wedding feast, so joyous were my people! Surely their rage is like
that of a furious lion in his wrath! which who shall restrain? They
are a destroying fire in the eye of their enemies! Stronger than
rocks are my followers! Spear them! spear them! till the sun sees
their bones; and let their bodies be food for the birds and hyænas,
while they resist the sword of the prophet! But oh! my people,
spare the fallen! and those who implore mercy in the name of the
One and Omnipotent! These were my words. Wading through blood,
we arrived at the palace of the sultan. What were all my defeats,
when compared to this victory!
“Lend your ears, oh my chiefs! ye who were present; for they are
your deeds I sing! and ye also who were away; for I sing of your
brethren and your children. It was on the first of the month, when
we once more came on those, who were enemies to us, and to our faith!
“Tirab, chief in fight, raged alike with the strength of an
elephant! and also his wisdom for two days! Four kingdoms towards
the declining sun had been destroyed, and one to the south, five in
number! Six months I had been from home, and on the seventh I made my
return, after humbling my enemies, and binding them as slaves! As food
is before the hyæna, so are their enemies before my people. They
are devoured! But the prophet’s children are saved by God, who
watches over true believers! As a thorn pierces whatever disturbs its
retirement, so do my spear-hurling hosts dash their pointed javelins
into the flesh of those who break our peace and our repose! When
I cheer them on, miserable are they that oppose them! But he that
submits, and acknowledges the One and Omnipotent, and his Prophet,
blessed be God and his angels, shall receive mercy! I govern by the
will of the most High, and by God’s decree, and administer the
law of God, whose servant I am; and whoever dies under such law,
paradise is his.”
* * * * *
No. XV.
_Translation of an extempore Arab Song._
“Oh! she was beauty’s self, and shone in matchless symmetry! When
shall I hear news of her? how support her absence, and her loss? My
hopes are but as the fantastic dreams of night; yet with this
hopelessness my love does but increase, even as a star shines the
brightest in the blackest night. O! Mabrooka! thy head sinks too
with sorrow at losing him, whose thoughts are still of thee; but as
the desert bird[79] drops and smooths its wing, but to display the
richness of its plumage, so will thy silent grief but cause thee to
appear with increased charms! Vain and cruel delusion! At the moment
of the possession of earthly happiness to doom us to melancholy
despair, was as if the traveller should draw water to the brink
of the well, and then see the wished-for draught snatched from his
thirsty lips!
“What she looks upon becomes graceful, enchanted by her
loveliness! Oh! she is beauty’s self, my polar star[80] of life.”
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 79: Ostrich.]
[Footnote 80: The word in the original is jiddie, which guides the
kafila in traversing the deserts, their track generally lying either
north or south.]
* * * * *
No. XVI.
_Translation of the Song of the Fezzanneers, on Boo Khaloom’s
Death._
“Oh! trust not to the gun and the sword! The spear of the unbeliever
prevails!
“Boo Khaloom, the good and the brave, has fallen! Who shall be
safe? Even as the moon amongst the little stars, so was Boo Khaloom
amongst men! Where shall Fezzan now look for her protector? Men
hang their heads in sorrow, while women wring their hands, rending
the air with their cries! As a shepherd is to his flock, so was Boo
Khaloom to Fezzan!
“Give him songs! Give him music! What words can equal his
praise? His heart was as large as the desert! His coffers were like
the rich overflowings from the udder of the she-camel, comforting
and nourishing those around him!
“Even as the flowers without rain perish in the field, so will
Fezzaneers droop; for Boo Khaloom returns no more!
“His body lies in the land of the heathen! The poisoned arrow of
the unbeliever prevails!
“Oh! trust not to the gun, and the sword! the spear of the heathen
conquers. Boo Khaloom, the good and the brave, has fallen! Who shall
now be safe?”
No. XVII.
_Bornou Vocabulary._
Good for nothing, Fussel
Good, Angala
Bad, Dibbe
Bread, Gorassa
Rice, Fergami
Come here, Arai natin
Go away, Lanai daka
Come to-morrow, Bali arai belte,
Come to-morrow night, Bali booni arai
Meat, Dha
Water, Inki
Bring water, Inki coutai
I wish to drink, Shay aski
Stay in the house, Arai fatto nemine
Sit down, Nemine
Bed, Boushe
Sheep, Anglaro
Bullock, Feea
Fowls, Koukee
Wind, Karouah
Sun, Kangal
Cold, Kakou
Hot to-day, Kow zow
Woman, Kano
Girl, Faro[81]
Fine girl, Faro angala
Rich girl, Faro sukala
Ugly girl, Faro dibbe
Father, Aba
My mother, Yany
Your mother, Yaanem
My brother, Crameny
My sister, Yaiany
Wife, Neka
Siriah, Keferoua
Hand, Musko
Leg, Segulni
White teeth, Teminy bull
Tongue, Telumny
A slave with large eyes, and Keir angala shem kora
handsome,
Great, Kora
Small, Gana
Old man, Keeary
Horse, Fur or Pur
Dog, Kree
Sweet milk, Kiam klee
Sour milk, Kyam
I wish to wash, Musco toliske
I will go to your house, Fanim laneskin
House, Fatto
God keep you in health, L’affia dagumba
How is your health? Are you Wanumba l’affia? La lay? Ba lay?
well? Are you well?
Breeches, Yangay
A pretty young slave, Keir gana angala
I give you a little physic: if Kergun gana gadishe atte keteen
that does not cure you, come baco, arai bali
to-morrow,
I am sick, Ou donde
I am a little better, Kermunga neske gana
Rains coming, Delaky goushe
Good day to you, Dibdony che l’affia
Good night to you, Booni che l’affia
Bad boy, Tetowa dibbe
Good boy, Tetowa angala
White man, Bull fulk
One, Telo
Two, Inde
Three, Yasko
Four, Dago
Five, Ooogoo
Six, Araska
Seven, Toolur
Eight, Waskoo
Nine, Lekar
Ten, Meagoo
Eleven, Meagoo lageree
Twelve, Indoore
Thirteen, Meagoo yaskun
Fourteen, Meagoo daree
Fifteen, Meagoo ouree
Sixteen, Meagoo araskee
Seventeen, Meagoo toluree
Eighteen, Meagoo waskun
Nineteen, Meagoo likareen
Twenty, Finde
Thirty, Fee askar
Forty, Fee daga
Fifty, Fee oogoo
Sixty, Fee raskee
Seventy, Fee tolur
Eighty, Fee tuskoo
Ninety, Fee lekar
One hundred, Mea
Poor man, Koua telleka
Sick man, Koua laka
Gussub, Ergum
Handsome woman, Kamoo angala
Very hot to-day, Kou dzow
Very cold, Kako ngubboo
Very dirty, Teginy kadafooa
Very clean, Teginy angala
Dead, Nuee
I, Ooma
You, Nema
Mine, Kakay
Yours, Kakanem
Sandals, Sono
Cap, Geaqua
You know every thing, Summa nunumba
I know nothing, Afeema noniskeni
I know, Noniski
Bring supper, Coutai bree
I wish to eat, Maniskin buskin
I look for food, Manimin boomin
I do not wish, Naguski baco
Have you got a little? Agoga nashe
I have nothing, Afeema baco
Honey, Kom̄agun
Wood, Kuska
At night eat supper, Booni bree boyee
Morning meal, Cheny feleski
I must go home, Oola niske fatto
Will you, or will you not? Rakami, rouanimy
I will not, Waniskee
Yes, Geree
No, Wankee
Breast, Gungy
Quick, Doua
Come, make haste, Arai doua
Black, Sellem
Red, Kemmy
White, Bull
Grass, Kajum
Straw, Soogoo
Mat, Suggady
I have many bullocks, Nanin fean’ gubboo
A great warrior, Bendugoo gubboo
I must buy a shirt, Koulko manki efeski
Tell me directly, Manany doua
I have no money, Nani gourse baco
I have no friend, Sobany baco
You are my friend, Nema sobany
You are not my friend, Ne sobany gani
I wish to sleep, Manki boniske
I do not sleep in the day, Kou boniske baco
Where is good water, very good? Indaran inki, angala lintia
This water is not good, Inki ada angalăgănĭ
Not good, Angalăgăny̆
I will give you nothing, Afeema giski baco
Call him, Booboonimin
Don’t beat him, Wata edkonimy
Strong, Kibboo
Weak, Kibboo gany
Strong slave, Keir kibboo
I wish to return to my country, Bellany laniski
Lion, Kourgilly
Ichneumon, Chorma
How many children have you? Tetoua ndago nanimin
Where is your country? Ndara bellanem
You are very handsome, Angala lintia
Come with me, Yeronemin langay
Go I cannot, Lanem baco
I am tired, M’bareski
Whip, Kourfo
Turban, Aliafo
Sword, Kazager
Looking-glass, Koutrum
Face, Fiska
My face, Fiskany
Your face, Fiskanem
His face, Fiskansa
Their faces, Fiskanday
My foot, Sheeny
Your foot, Sheenum
His foot, Sheensay
Their feet, Sheenday
All their feet, Sheenday andi summa
Beard, N’chitty
Foot, Shee
Feet, Shee ndiso
Fingers, Gulandoni
Toes, Fergamij
Who is that? N’dee aty
What is that? Aty a fee
What is your name? Nin dhu
Presently, Wakay
Wait a little, Dāgā dāgō
White trowsers, Yangay bull
White shirt, Kukoo bull
Blue shirt, Kulgoo kagi
Pillow, Beeree
Where are you going? Ndara doony min
Where are you come from? Ndara kadim
From the sheikh’s house I come, Fatto shoukobe kadisco
To-day, Kow
Yesterday, Biska
The day before yesterday, Biskada
Ass, Koro
Mule, Koro la fuddera
Handkerchief, Futtha. Not used
Crocodile, Timsa, karem
Hippopotamus, Nghroot
Many mosquitoes, Kantano n’gubboo
Hyena, Dela
Elephant, Kamāgun
Calf, Kena gana
Cow, Kena
Where are your shoes? Sononem daran
Where is your cap? Geaqua n’daran
A bad man, Koati dibbe
You are bad, Nema dibbe
Do you wish that woman? Kamo ati rakami
Not that one? This I wish, Ati waniski too raguski
Man, Kam
Woman, Kamo
A strong man, Kamqua
Two men, Kuandee
Two women, Kamundee
Camel, Kelgimmo
Camel’s saddle, Kantergue
Riding camel or maherhy, Kelgimmo serdebee
Wear your cap; the sun is Geaqua coutai kou n’gubboo
strong,
My house, Fany
The house of me, Fatto kakai
I will come at night, Ou boone leniske
It is now night, Kerama boone
Why did you not come yesterday? Afero biska issamy bah
I could not come, Issiskany
I am come to-day, Kou issisky
I am angry, Ou gergan iskana
Always, Zaar
I go on horseback, Kela furby linisky
Horse, Fur, or Pur
I go on foot, Sheenin linisky
Your house, Fanem
His house, Fansa
All their houses are one, Andi summa fanday telo
Give me this, Ougoaty orashe
A little, not much, Gana
Take care, Zebba
Now give me, Kormashee
Shut the door, Suganay tapah
Not now, Kormakany
By and by, Oo kanowaā
I will give you a handsome Koulko angala noroweskin
shirt,
I will dress you prettily, Kasamow angala noroweskin
Hear me, I say, Fanimy
God bless you, Allah kabunsho
May you live for ever, Engoubourou dagah
God send you a happy old age, Allah kiaro
literally gray hairs,
Bring water to wash my hands, Inki coutai muskowy toliske
To wash your hands, Muskonem tolei
Like a Bornowy, Kanourin kalcal
Near, Karengha
A long way off, Kiento rinta
Why are you afraid? Afero ranimin
You come directly? Kurma ma duaree
The day after to-morrow, Wagoro
Eat you, Nema booy
I can read, Rageski karaengen
Can you read? Ne karanemin bah
I cannot, Karaniskin baco
I know, Ooma nongana
You know, Nema nonema
He knows, Shema nosena
We know, Amgaso nony-enna
Ye know, Ande amgaso
They know, Nony-enna
Every body knows, Amsemma nozana
Nobody knows, Ondooma nozana baco
Gazelle, Engry
Ducks, Enguddoo
Vulture, Quogoo
Monkey, Daggel
Buffalo, Zamouse
I will not go, Laniski baco
I will come, Lazusko
Is it necessary for you? Ragumba
It is necessary, Ragiski
Now, Kurma
Not now, but in a little, Kurmagany, laga toosiny
Why is your cap off? Afero geaquanem gogo
It fell off, Oogony konusko
My horse, Furny
Your horse, Furnem
His horse, Furnsa
My hut, Engiminy
Your hut, Engiminem
His hut, Engiminsa
Onions, L’bussel
Wheat, Gomah
Gussub, Arkum
Fan of ostrich feathers, Kergeaga
Ostrich, Nham
Feathers, Riesh
I wish a man who knows the road Ooroo kam angala sidi Waday
to Waday, nosena
Do you know all the road? Sidi Waday nony mabah
All I know, Angaso nony ski
In the road, river great is Waday den komadagoo kora beetche
there?
There is, but not a great one, Beetche, gana laga
And a great deal of water, there N’gobboo gany inki enga
is not,
Gussub is there plenty? Argum beetche engubbooba
Rain little, and gussub Inki gana argum engubboo, gany
not much,
Last year rain plenty, more than Mindy inki engubboo kerma koge
at this time,
This year, Kimmindy
Last year, Mindy
Fish, Boony
Standard carried before the Yerma
Sultan of Bornou,
Fire bring, quick, quick, Kano coutai doua, doua
Fire bring, get supper, Kano coutai bree deniskin
Mount, we will go, Neebamin baa lanyée
Now I will come, Kurma mai issisky
I do not wish, Wanisky, wangy
Wait a little, now he will come, Garany gana kurma machin
Bring water, I will drink, Inki coutai yaskin
I will not come, Isiskin baco
Give grass to the horse to eat, Fena kajem furby zebbo
Nose bag, Engerky
The nose bag for the horse Engerky furby coutai
bring,
Fill it with gussub, Fegana argum
Give it him to feed, Yeshery zebbo
Does he feed? Zebbe ra-watche
He feeds, A zebbena
Feed he will not, Zebbin baco watche
Take off the nose bag, if he Zenney engerky watchea
will not,
Take him to drink, Yeati inkero
Give him well to drink, Y’eshero angeloro tsaa
Bucket none, yesterday broke, Kirfy baco biska creety
Go a bucket good buy, Lanee kerfy angala belinefay
Take care thieves don’t take it, Wata kaleny burbo gotzenu
I wish it, Oura kusku
Something I wish, Aqualaka oura kusku
What do you wish? Afferacum
Where are we going? Ainfera lanen
Near now we go? Karinga ateman lascia
Sunset before? Shall we stop? Magrubo setteny? Zubtsayu bah
We shall stop, Zubtsayu
At sunset we shall not stop, we Mugrubbo kelten zubtsay inde
shall go until Ashea; then we leesharo letzaya doo go zubtneia
shall stop,
Sunset before we shall return, Mugrubbo setteny doo goo lanem
To-day go, to-morrow come, Kou lanemya bali arai
You are very handsome, Neety angala engubboo
You than others I like best, Neety kamo gediro rakuskin ago
angalko
Speak true speeches, Mana gereby manany
It is necessary, I see the well, Kouroo garoubi ruguski,
This is my town now, Ate bellany kurma
I wish to see, Raguski rusky
Will you buy anything? Neema eefamy bah
I wish to buy, Raguski effuskin
I do not wish to buy, Wankee effeesky baco
I will not sell, Wankee ladisky baco
I wish to sell, Ragusky ladisky
Will you sell? Ladamin bah
My feet ache, Sheeny zow
Do your feet ache? Eenim zow bah
My legs, Shegul ny
My knees, Engurum grum kakai
My thighs, Dunomy
My loins, Duefurgy-ny
My belly, Suero-ny
My breast, Ingun geny
My neck, Dubboony
Woman’s breast, Tekkum
My mouth, Cheny
My nose, Kinoa-ny
My tongue, Telam-ny
My teeth, Teneeny
My cheeks, Gegaty
The eyes, Shem
The forehead, Engum
Eyebrows, Engum eshem
Ears, Summo
Head, Kla
This woman, her face is Kamo atteta feskansa angala
handsome,
Long gourd with a hole at each Zantoo
end, used by Tibboo and Bornou
as a musical instrument,
Wrapper or petticoat, Zeneh
Eggs, Gubbel
FOOTNOTES:
[Footnote 81: In the southern provinces of Bornou this is pronounced
_Paro_.]
* * * * *
No. XVIII.
_Begharmi Vocabulary, taken from the mouth of the late Sultan’s son,
now a slave of the Sheikh of Bornou._
One, Keddy
Two, Sub
Three, Mattāh
Four, Soh
Five, Mee
Six, Meeka
Seven, Chilly
Eight, Marta
Nine, Doso
Ten, Dokemy
Eleven, Dokemy kar keddy
Twelve, Dokemy kar sub
Thirteen, Dokemy kar muttāh
Fourteen, Dokemy kar soh
Twenty, Doke sub
Twenty-one, Doke sub kar keddy
Twenty-two, Doke sub kar sub
Thirty, Doke muttah
Thirty-one, Doke muttah
Forty, Doke soh
Forty-one, Doke soh kar keddy
Fifty, Doke mee
Fifty-one, Doke mee kar keddy
Sixty, Doke muka
Sixty-one, Doke muka kar keddy
Seventy, Doke killy
Seventy-one, Doke killy kar keddy
Eighty, Doke marta
Ninety, Doke doso
One hundred, Arrou
One hundred and one, Arrou se keddy
Two hundred, Arrou sub
One thousand, Dooboo
Two thousand, Dooboo sub
Eyes, Kammo
Leaf of a plant, Kammo
Head, Geujo
Mouth, Tara
Door of a room, Tara be
Breast, Kājā
Sun, Kājā
Nose, Amo
Belly, Ngala
Thighs, Brinjee
Knees, Kejee
Legs, Kersha
Feet, Njanja
Flesh, Nja debe
Ox, Mungho
Flesh of an ox, Nja mungho
Sheep, Batta
Goat, Angha
Water, Mane
Flour, Jumo
Bread, Tabaka
No kinds of fruit known,
all plants different.
Onions, (Good, great.) Bussara
Honey, (Quantities Tejee,
eaten.)
Elephant, Keejee
Horse, Soudah
Mule, El Feddrah
Ass, (plenty), Krow
Dog, (many), Besee
Lion, (plenty), Tobio
Lioness, Tobiony
Leopard, Nugo
Gazelle, Ngria
Rabbit, Omo
Fowls, Kenja
Cock, Kla
Father, Babma
Mother, Konuma
Brother, Monnjema
Sister, Monnjum
Son, Wonma
Daughter, Wonum
Woman, Née
Man, Gaba
Wife, Neema
Favorite, Mandama
Noon, Dooro
Night, Njow
Sleep, Tonangy
Awake, Ingra
I am hungry, Bow
I am thirsty, Mane mukago
My friend, Kaffama
Your friend, Kaffaily
Bring supper, Du gesa
Come here, Da lullo
Go away, Abey
Hot, Kaisungoh
Cold, Kooloo
Fat, Booboo
Too hot, Kaigocho
Very cold, Koolo ognio
Wind, Leélee
Rain falls, Manet kudy
Boat, large, Toko
Small boat, Toko bassa
River, Bah
Great river, Bah nungolo
Near, Bony
Distant, Aouo
Very distant, Aouo killa hudder
Bad, Kussu
I have something, Congassa saikilly
I have nothing, Ngasskoto semki
Good man, Kab
Bad man, Kab-kussu
Young, N’bussa
Old, Kaddah
Handsome woman, Nein
Ugly woman, Nein kussu
Take that, Dibena magi
Merchant, Maly ocho
Slave, Baly
Woman slave, B’llow
White man, Kab n’jaffy
Slaves, Bakee
White woman, Nee njaffy
I will not, Gaily
To kill, Tolly qua
My house, Bema
Your house, Beay
To wound, Noyalee
Wheat, Gkal kumba
Gussub, Tenghoo
Dates, Depenow
Saddle, Serdee
Fire, Peddoo
Wood, Cheree
Bring some wood quick, Den cheree, keske, keske
I am ill, Mungaly
Are you ill? Gegony
Do you wish physic? Talem kourgoonoo
Come with me, Dejab kow
I am your friend, Ma kafai
I am your servant, Ma manai
Always, Njan
All, Petta
After, Belti
Before, Dencha
Mid-day, Kaisung-oo
Gafooly, Wah
Meloheiœ, Gongonbelto
Bridle, Al jemmo
Halter, Kabboomoo
Grass straw, Moo
Teeth, Nganah
* * * * *
No. XIX.
_Mandara Vocabulary, taken from the mouth of Achmet Mandara, a slave
of the Sheikh of Bornou._
One, Mtaque
Two, Sardah
Three, Kighah
Four, Fuddah
Five, Elibah
Six, N’quaha
Seven, Vouyah
Eight, Teesah
Nine, Musselman
Ten, Klaou
Twenty, Kulboa, kulla boa
Thirty, Kullo kegah
Forty, Kullo fuddah
Fifty, Kullo elibah
Sixty, Kullo N’quaha
Seventy, Kullo Vouga
Eighty, Kullo Teesa
Ninety, Kullo Musselman
One hundred, Drimka
Two hundred, Dibboo
Water, Yowah
Bring water, Sensa yowah
Meat, Souah
Gussub, Mudjuga
Man, Geela
Woman, Mug’sa
Girl, Gala
Handsome girl, Shugra
Ugly girl, Mowgwa
Good man, Zeeriah
Mother, Mama
Father, Dada
Brother, Malay
Sister, Koudray
Mountains, Ouvra
River, Gouah
Well, Souah
Spring, Pooshay
Great, Yeakay
Little, Chequah
Great mountains, Ouvre yeakay
Little sister, Koudray Chequah
Meal, breakfast, Dafah
_or_ supper,
To eat, Zuzie
Bring to eat, Senga dafah
I will not, Wyanga
Sultan, Tsuksa
I am tired, Yaluffa luffa
Good bye, N’gea dha
Day, Vechea
Night, Véggea
I must go, Amindala
Come here, Souah sokena
My wife, Muksanga
Your wife, Muksarwa
Good road, Oungala shrugra
Bad road, Oungala mangoua
Rice, Acheiah
Butter, Wyay
Honey, Ammah
Eyes, Echey
Nose, Ukteray
Mouth, Okay
Ears, Shimmah
Head, Erey
Female slave, Quatana
Male slave, Affee
Handsome slave, Quatana mugray
Grass, Massah
My country, Uksarwa
Your country, Uksangra
I wish to sleep, Wenwyah yeksentia sah
I am your friend, Tukkatarwa
Horse, Bilsah
Ox, Tsah
Tiger-cat, Oobellah
Tiger’s skin, Ogzo oobellah
Ass, Anzouwah
Sheep, Keoay
Rich man, Tallowah
Poor man, Tszuah
* * * * *
No. XX.
_Timbuctoo Vocabulary._
Come, Kaa
Go, Koey
Quickly, Tumba
Give me to eat, Kata mung-ha
Give me to drink, Katahary mungenee
I am thirsty, Hamai egowei
I, _or_ me, Ei
You, Ee
Him, Wo
They, Oo
Good, Abooree
Bad, Affootoo
Man, Harree
Woman, Weey
Girl, Izowy
Boy, Ezahary
Handsome woman, Weey tienta
Bad man, Harree footoo
Two eyes, Moh inka
Mouth, Mey
Beard, Kabi
Head, Bong-o
Horse, Barree
Camel, Yeo
Ass, Furka
Dog, Hanshe
Sheep, Fagee
An ox, Hou foh
Oxen, Hou bobo
Meat, Hum
Sweet milk, Wah gana
Sour milk, Wah coutoo
Sultan, Gabee coin
Bread, Takoola
River, Issa
Boat, Hee
House, Hoo
Slave, Bunneea
Female slave, Kong-o
Fire, Jarree
Night, Keegee
Day, Noony
Wood, Togoolee
Elephant, Turcondu
Water, Hary
Blood, Koorie
Knife, Hoorie
Gold, Oorah
Silver, N’zurfa
Turban, Tabbai
Tobe, Tilleby-kai
Breeches, Seeby
Sandals, Tarno
Cap, Foolah
Clouds, Beenee
Earth, Gunda
Mountain, Foudee
Well, Bungo
A ghrazzie, Wongo
Spear, Yagy
Mat, Tangaree
The truth, Keemy
That man lies, Wahareeagoothangany
Eat, Ngha
Foot, Kay
Hand, Kambah
One, Affoo
Two, Nahinka
Three, Nahinza
Four, Attakee
Five, Aggoo
Six, Iddoo
Seven, Ea
Eight, Yaha
Nine, Yugga
Ten, Auwy
Eleven, Auwy kindofoo
Twelve, Auwy kindoohinka
Thirteen, Auwy kindohinza
Fourteen, Auwy kindotakee
Fifteen, Auwy kindaggoo
Sixteen, Auwy kindo iddoo
Seventeen, Auwy kindoea
Eighteen, Auwy kindo yaha
Nineteen, Auwy kindoyugga
Twenty, Warunka
Twenty-one, Warunka kindofoo
Thirty, Warunza
Thirty-one, Warunza kindofoo
Forty, Waytakkee
Forty-one, Waytakkee kindofoo
Fifty, Wayaggoo
Fifty-one, Wayaggoo kindofoo
ZOOLOGY.
No. XXI.
Having been requested by the authors of the preceding narrative to
describe the Zoological subjects collected during their journey,
we think it right, in the first place, to notice the difficulties
attending their acquisition and preservation. The European traveller,
who is transported with equal comfort over the rugged heights of
Mont Cenis, or along the level plains of Holland, can have little
conception of the privations and distresses which attend the wanderer
in the desert. The most feeble and timid may encounter the first task
without fatigue or fear; but the _robur et æs triplex_ of a strong
constitution, persevering patience, and undaunted courage, must fortify
his resolution who directs his daring course through the sands of the
Sahara.
Having arrived at the farthest point of their route, our travellers
were occupied no less than five months in their return to Tripoli,
pursuing their “weary way” almost wholly through deserts, and suffering
severely by sickness and all sorts of privations. Their means, too, of
skinning and preserving the animals they procured were of the slightest
kind; the only cutting instrument they possessed being a penknife
belonging to Major Denham, and a little arsenical soap, left from the
stores of the late Mr. Ritchie, their sole antidote to protect the
skins from moth and corruption. Such, however, was their ardour in the
pursuit of Zoological subjects, that in spite of all the difficulties
and drawbacks that beset them, they succeeded in collecting and
bringing home upwards of a hundred specimens, and some of them in
exceedingly good condition and of peculiar interest; though we regret
to say, that less than a third of that number is all that have come
into our hands, many of the subjects having fallen into utter decay.
Classis. MAMMALIA. _Auct._
Ordo. CARNASSIERS. _Cuv._
Tribus. CARNIVORES. _Cuv._
Stirps. DIGITIGRADES. _Cuv._
Genus. FENNECUS. _Lacep._
Species 1.—_Fennecus Cerdo._
Fennec. _Bruce_, vii. 231. (8vo). pl. 28.
Animal Anonyme. _Buff. Supp._ iii. 128. pl. 19. (1776).
Zerda. _Penn. Quad._ pag. 248. pl. 28.
Canis Cerdo. _Gmel. Linn._
Fennecus Brucii. _Desm. Mamm._ pl. 108. f. 4.
Canis Megalotis. _Griff. An. King._
This beautiful and extraordinary animal, or at least one of this
genus, was first made known to European naturalists by Bruce, who
received it from his drogoman, whilst consul general at Algiers. It
was brought from Biscara by a Turkish soldier, from whom the janizary
bought it, and who said it was not uncommon at that place, but was
more frequently met with in the date territories of Beni Mezzab and
Werglah, where these animals are hunted for their skins, which are
afterwards sold at Mecca, and thence exported to India. Bruce kept his
animal alive for several months, and took a drawing of it in water
colours, of the natural size; a copy of which, on transparent paper,
was clandestinely made by his servant. On leaving Algiers, Bruce gave
the animal to Captain Cleveland, of the Royal Navy, who made a present
of it to Mr. Brander, the Swedish consul. Mr. Brander, according to
Sparman, as quoted by Bruce, gave an account of the animal in “some
Swedish Transactions,” but refused to let the figure be published, the
drawing having been unfairly obtained. Bruce asserts that this animal
is described in many Arabian books, under the name of _El Fennec_, by
which, he adds, that it is known all over Africa; he conceives the
appellation to be derived from the Greek word φοινιξ, a palm, or date
tree.
[Illustration: Drawn by Major Denham.
Engraved by E. Finden.
FENNECUS CERDO.
_Published Feb. 1826, by John Murray, London._]
After Bruce left Algiers, he met with two other Fennecs, one of which
had been brought by the caravan of Fezzan to the Island of Gerba,
from whence it was carried to Tunis, where Bruce saw it; the other he
bought at Sennaar, but where it came from he knew not; though it seems
probable that it was a native of the date villages in the desert of
Selima. These animals exactly resembled the one first seen at Algiers,
and were known by the name of Fennec, and by no other.
The favourite food of Bruce’s Fennec was dates, or any sweet fruit;
but it was also very fond of eggs: when hungry it would eat bread,
especially with honey or sugar. His attention was immediately attracted
if a bird flew near him, and he would watch it with an eagerness that
could hardly be diverted from its object; but he was dreadfully afraid
of a cat, and endeavoured to hide himself the moment he saw an animal
of that species, though he showed no symptoms of preparing for any
defence. Bruce never heard that he had any voice. During the day he was
inclined to sleep, but became restless and exceedingly unquiet as night
came on.
Bruce describes his Fennec as about ten inches long; the tail, five
inches and a quarter, near an inch of it on the tip, black; from the
point of the fore-shoulder to that of the fore-toe, two inches and
seven-eighths; from the occiput to the point of the nose, two inches
and a half. The ears were erect, and three inches and three-eighths
long, with a plait or fold at the bottom on the outside; the interior
borders of the ears were thickly covered with soft white hair, but the
middle part was bare, and of a pink or rose colour; the breadth of the
ears was one inch and one eighth, and the interior cavity very large.
The pupil of the eye was large and black; the iris, deep blue. It had
thick and strong whiskers; the nose was sharp at the tip, black and
polished. The upper jaw was projecting; the number of cutting teeth
in each jaw, six, those in the under jaw the smallest; canine teeth,
two in each jaw, long, large, and exceedingly pointed; the number of
molar teeth, four on each side, above and below. The legs were small;
feet very broad, with four toes, armed with crooked, black, and sharp
claws on each; those on the fore-feet more crooked and sharp than
those behind. The colour of the body was dirty white, bordering on
cream-colour; the hair on the belly rather whiter, softer and longer
than on the rest of the body. His look was sly and wily. Bruce adds
that the Fennec builds his nest on trees, and does not burrow in the
earth.
Illiger, in his generic description of _Megalotis_, states the number
of molar teeth on each side of the upper jaw to be six, but gives no
account of those in the lower; nor does it appear on what authority he
describes the teeth at all, or where he inspected his type. In other
respects, his description agrees pretty closely with that given by
Bruce.
Sparman[82] took the Fennec to be of the species he has called Zerda,
a little animal found in the sands of Cambeda, near the Cape of Good
Hope; and Pennant and Gmelin have called Bruce’s animal, after Sparman,
_Canis cerdo_; Brander considered it as a species of fox; Blumenbach
rather as belonging to the Viverræ. Illiger quotes Lacépède as having
made a distinct genus of it, _Fennecus_[83], and has himself placed
it as one, under the name of Megalotis, in the order Falculata, in the
same family with, and immediately preceding the genera Canis and Hyena.
M. Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, assuming Bruce’s account to be imperfect
and inaccurate, supposes that the Fennec is neither more nor less than
a Galago; but M. Desmarest differs from him in opinion, and places it
in a situation analogous to that assigned it by Illiger, at the end of
the Digitigrades, in the order Carnassiers. Cuvier merely takes the
following short notice of this animal in a note, “Le Fennec de Bruce
que Gmelin a nommé _Canis cerdo_, et Illiger _Megalotis_, est trop peu
connu pour pouvoir être classé. C’est un petit animal d’Afrique, dont
les oreilles égalent presque le corps en grandeur, et qui grimpe aux
arbres, mais on n’en a descrit ni les dents ni les doigts.” (Reg. Anim.
I. 151. note). This eminent zoologist appears from the above to hold
our countryman’s veracity, or at least his accuracy of observation,
and fidelity of description, in the same low estimation as M. Geoffroy
Saint Hilaire; or he would hardly have talked of the ears of the Fennec
being nearly as large as its body[84], or have asserted that neither
the teeth nor toes have been described. But the illustrious foreigners
of whom we have, in no offensive tone we hope, just spoken, are not
the only persons who have hesitated to place implicit confidence in
all that Bruce has given to the world: his own countrymen have shown
at least an equal disposition to set him down as a dealer in the
marvellous. Time, however, and better experience, are gradually doing
the Abyssinian traveller that justice which his cotemporaries were but
too ready to deny him.
M. Desmarest considers all the characters which Bruce has given of the
Fennec as correct, “not conceiving it possible, that he could have
assumed the far too severe tone he adopted in speaking of Sparman and
Brander, if he had not been perfectly sure of his facts.”
Mr. Griffith has given the figures of two animals, both, as he
conceives, belonging to this genus; one of them came from the Cape of
Good Hope, and is now in the Museum at Paris; it is named by Cuvier
_Canis megalotis_, and is described by Desmarest in his Mammalogie,
(Ency. Meth. Supp. p. 538): Major Smith has called it _Megalotis
Lalandii_, to distinguish it from Bruce’s Fennec. The other animal
is from the interior of Nubia, and is preserved in the Museum at
Frankfort. Both the figures are from the accurate and spirited pencil
of Major Hamilton Smith. The first animal is as large as the common
fox, and decidedly different from Bruce’s Fennec; the second, Major
Smith considers to be Bruce’s animal.
In the fifth volume of the Bulletin des Sciences, sect. 2. p. 262., is
an extract from a memoir of M. Leuckart, (Isis, 2 Cahier, 1825), on
the _Canis cerdo_, or Zerda of naturalists, in which it is stated that
M. M. Temminck and Leuckart saw the animal in the Frankfort Museum,
which had been previously drawn by Major Smith, and recognized it for
the true Zerda; and the former gentleman, in the prospectus of his
_Monographies de Mammalogie_, announced it as belonging to the genus
Canis, and not to that of Galago. M. Leuckart coincides in opinion with
M. Temminck, and conceives that the genus Megalotis, or Fennecus, must
be suppressed, “the animal very obviously belonging to the genus Canis,
and even to the subgenus Vulpes.” He adds, “that it most resembles
the _C. corsac_; the number of teeth and their form are precisely the
same as those of the fox, which it also greatly resembles in its feet,
number of toes, and form of tail. The principal difference between
the fox and the Zerda consists in the great length of the ears of the
latter and its very small size.”
The singular controversy, not even yet decided, that has arisen
respecting this little animal, has induced us to preface our
description of the individual before us, by this sketch of its history.
FENNECUS. _Dentium formula.—Dentes primores_ 6—6 / 6—6, _laniarii_
1—1 / 1—1, _molares_ 6—6 / 7—7?
_F. supra rufescenti-albus, subtus pallidior; maculâ suboculari rufâ;
caudæ maculâ sub-basali nigrescenti-brunneâ, apice nigro._
Dimensions. Inches.
Length of the head from the extremity of the nose to
the occiput, 3⅜
Breadth between the eyes, 0⅞
Length of ears, 3⅛
Breadth of do. at the widest part, 2
Breadth of the cranium between the ears, 1⅝
Length from the occiput to the insertion of the tail, 9½
Tail, 6
[85]Height before, from the ground to the top of the
back, above the shoulder, 6⅝
[85]Height behind, to the top of the back above the
loins, 7½
Breadth of the extremity of the nose, 0⁵⁄₁₆
Length of the middle claws of the fore feet, 0⁷⁄₁₆
Exterior do. do. 0½
Middle and exterior claws of the hind feet, 0½
The general colour is white, slightly inclining to straw-yellow; above,
from the occiput to the insertion of the tail it is light rufous brown,
delicately pencilled with fine black lines, from thinly scattered hairs
tipped with black; the exterior of the thighs is lighter rufous brown;
the chin, throat, belly, and interior of the thighs and legs are white,
or cream colour. The nose is pointed, and black at the extremity;
above, it is covered with very short, whitish hair inclining to rufous,
with a small irregular rufous spot on each side beneath the eyes; the
whiskers are black, rather short and scanty; the back of the head is
pale rufous brown. The ears are very large, erect, and pointed, and
covered externally with short, pale, rufous-brown hair; internally,
they are thickly fringed on the margins with long greyish-white hairs,
especially in front; the rest of the ears, internally, is bare;
externally, they are folded or plaited at the base. The tail is very
full, cylindrical, of a rufous-brown colour, and pencilled with fine
black lines like the back; its colour is rather deeper above than on
the under part, and there is a small dark brown spot, at about an
inch below its insertion on the upper side; the ends of the hairs at
the extremity of the tail are black, forming a black tip about three
quarters of an inch long. The anterior feet are pentadactylous, the
posterior tetradactylous, and both are covered to the claws with
moderately long whitish hairs, slightly inclining to straw-yellow;
the claws are of a yellowish-white, or light horn-colour, moderately
hooked, very much compressed, and very sharp; those on the hinder toes
are most compressed, longest, and least arched. The fur is very soft
and fine; that on the back, from the forehead to the insertion of the
tail, as well as that on the upper part of the shoulder before, and
nearly the whole of the hinder thigh, is formed of tri-coloured hairs,
the base of which is of a dark lead colour, the middle white, and the
extremity light rufous brown.
The teeth of our animal are much worn, apparently by age; the incisors
in the upper jaw are nearly even, the second pair rather broader than
the rest; of those in the lower jaw, the outer pair are considerably
the largest.
The imperfect state of the teeth, and the difficulty of examining
them accurately without having the skull detached, forbids us to be
confident as to the number of grinders in either jaw. From the most
careful inspection, however, that we could make in the actual state of
the specimen, we are inclined to believe that the system of dentition
closely, if not exactly, resembles that of the dog. In the present
state of uncertainty, whilst opinions of the highest authority are so
discordant as to the genus to which this animal should be referred, we
do not feel ourselves at liberty to disturb the arrangement adopted by
Lacépède, Illiger, and Desmarest, but leave the ultimate decision of
the question to future naturalists, who may possess more unequivocal
data for its solution. One thing, indeed, is pretty obvious, namely,
that if Major Denham’s animal be not the identical species described
by Bruce, it certainly belongs to the same genus; for as it does
not appear that Bruce himself ever possessed a detached skull of
the Fennec, it is very easy to imagine that he could not accurately
ascertain the number of molar teeth in the head of a living animal
of such vivacity and quickness, and which was so impatient of being
handled, that he could not obtain a correct measurement of its ears,
or even count the number of paps on its belly. With such an animal
it is not unlikely, moreover, that the two last tubercular grinders
should escape the notice of any one attempting to examine the mouth
under circumstances so disadvantageous, those teeth being in some
measure concealed by the large projecting carnivorous tooth immediately
before them. That it cannot be a _Galago_, as M. Geoffroy Saint Hilaire
imagines, is sufficiently evident; and M. Desmarest has given no less
than six distinct, and, we think, conclusive reasons against that
opinion, through which, however, we must not follow him at present. The
subject has already grown under our hands to a far greater bulk than we
intended, and we conclude it by taking leave to question the validity
of M. Geoffroy Saint Hilaire’s argument respecting the general veracity
of Mr. Bruce, and consequently to enter our protest against his Fennec
being classed with the _Quadrumana_.
We retain, provisionally, the generic name of _Fennecus_, first
proposed by Lacépède, and the specific one of _Cerdo_, adopted by
Gmelin; but should the animal ultimately prove to be a different
species from _Canis cerdo_, M. Desmarest’s specific appellation of
_Brucii_ may with propriety be assigned to it.
Genus. RYZÆNA. _Ill._
Species 2.—_Ryzæna tetradactyla_.
Viverra tetradactyla. _Gmel._ I. 85.
Suricate. _Buff._ xiii. t. 8.
This animal was found on the banks of the rivers in the neighbourhood
of Lake Tchad.
Tribus. PLANTIGRADES. _Cuv._
Genus. GULO. _Storr._
Species 3.—_Gulo capensis_.
Gulo Capensis. _Desm. Mamm._ p. 176.
Viverra mellivora. _Gmel._ I. 91.
Ratel. _Sparman_.
Ratel weesel. _Penn. Quad._ II. 66.
The natives, from whom Major Denham had all the following particulars,
informed him, that during the rutting season the _Ratel_ is very
fierce, not hesitating to attack a man. Each male has two or three
females, whom he scarcely suffers to be a moment out of his sight; if
either of them escape his jealous vigilance, and leave him for a short
time, she is sure to receive severe chastisement at her return. This
animal is very easily killed; a single blow on the nose, which seems
peculiarly sensible of the slightest injury, instantly despatches him.
Ordo. QUADRUMANES. _Cuv._
Genus. CERCOPITHECUS. _Briss._
Species 4.—_Cercopithecus ruber_.
Cercopithecus ruber. _Geoff. Ann. du Mus._ xix. 96.
Simia rubra. _Gmel._ I. 34.
Le Patas. _Buff._ xiv. pl. 25 and 26.
Red Monkey. _Penn. Quad._ I. 208.
Ordo. RUMINANS. _Cuv._
Genus. CAMELOPARDALIS. _Gmel._
Species 5.—_Camelopardalis Giraffa_.
Camelopardalis Giraffa. _Gmel._ I. 181.
Cervus Camelopardalis. _Linn._ I. 92.
Giraffe. _Buff._ XIII. p. 1.
Camelopard. _Penn. Quad._ I. 65.
The _Giraffes_ were found on the south-eastern side of Lake Tchad,
generally in parties of from two to five or six. They are tolerably
numerous, but not very common. The motion of these animals is not
elegant; their pace is a short canter, in which they seem to drag their
hind legs after them, in an awkward fashion: their speed, however, is
such as to keep a horse at a pretty smart gallop. The skin brought
home by Major Denham is that of a young animal, not above a year and a
half or two years old; the colours are very much lighter than on the
skin of an adult animal. In its wild state, the _Giraffe_ carries its
head remarkably erect; a character which, Major Denham remarks, is not
faithfully preserved in any figure he has seen of this animal.
Genus. ANTILOPE. _Pall._
Species 6.—_Antilope Senegalensis_.
Antilope Senegalensis. _Desm. Mamm._ p. 457.
Le Koba. _Buff._ xii. pl. 32. f. 2.
Senegal Antelope. _Penn. Quad._ I. 103.
Only the head and horns of this animal were brought home by Major
Denham; it was found on the plains of central Africa. The natives call
this species _Korrigum_.
Species 7—_Antilope bezoartica_.
Antilope gazella. _Gmel._ I. 190.
Capra bezoartica. _Linn._ I. 96.
Algazelle. _Buff._ xii. pl. 33. f. 1, 2.
Algazel Antelope. _Penn. Quad._ I. 77.
Linnæus’s description of _Capra bezoartica_ speaks of the horns as
being “entirely annulated;” but Brisson, to whom Linnæus refers, says
they are annulated nearly to the end. In our specimens, a considerable
extent from the _apex_ is without the rings. This difference may
probably arise from age. In other respects, the horns before us
perfectly answer the description of those of Linnæus’s _Capra
bezoartica_. M. Gmelin seems to have made some confusion between
the _Capra Gazella_ and _C. bezoartica_ of Linnæus. He has changed
the specific name of _Gazella_ into that of _oryx_, and he has made
Linnæus’s _bezoartica_ the _Gazella_ of himself.
Only two horns of this species, and those apparently not fellows, were
sent home. This animal was found on the south side of the River Shary,
in central Africa.
Species 8.—_Antilope cervicapra_.
Antilope cervicapra. _Pall._
Capra cervicapra. _Linn._ I. 96.
Antilope. _Buff._ xii. pl. 35 and 36.
Common Antelope. _Penn. Quad._ I. 89.
We have only the horns of this animal. Its African name is _El Buger
Abiad_, or the _White Cow_.
Genus. BOS. _Linn._
Species 9.—_Bos taurus_.
Bos taurus. _Linn._ t. I. 98.
Major Denham brought home a pair of horns of enormous size, belonging
evidently, from their form, texture, and mode of insertion, to a
variety of the common Ox, of which he states that two kinds exist in
central Africa, one with a hump before, and very small horns; the other
altogether of a larger size, also with a hump, and immense horns.
The circumference of one of the horns before us, at the largest part
near the base, is twenty-three inches and a quarter; its length,
following the line of curvature, three feet, six inches and a half. It
has two curves; and weighs six pounds and seven ounces. Internally it
is extremely cellular, or rather cavernous.
Species 10.—_Bos bubalis_.
Bos bubalis. _Linn._ I. 99.
Le Buffle. _Buff._ xi. pl. 25.
Buffalo. _Penn. Quad._ I. 28.
We possess the head, with the horns. The name by which the native
Africans call this animal is _Zamouse_.
Ordo. PACHYDERMES. _Cuv._
Genus. RHINOCEROS. _Linn._
Species 11.—_Rhinoceros bicornis_.
Rhinoceros bicornis. _Gmel._ I. 57.
Rhinoceros unicornis. var. β. _bicornis._ _Linn._ I. 104.
Rhinoceros Africanus. _Cuv._
Rhinoceros d’Afrique. _Buff. Supp._ vi. pl. 6.
Two-horned Rhinoceros. _Penn. Quad._ i. 150. pl. 29.
Here again we have the horns only. The local name of this animal is
Gargatan.
Ordo. RONGEURS. _Cuv._
Genus. SCIURUS. _Linn._
Species 12.—_Sciurus Dschinschicus_.
Sciurus Dschinschicus. _Gmel._ I. 151.
Sciurus albovittatus. _Desm. Mamm._ p. 338.
Our species agrees exactly with M. Desmarest’s account of his _S.
albovittatus_, except that the tail is rather more decidedly distich
than that of the individual he describes; but the dried state of the
skin before us prevents our ascertaining its form very minutely. M.
Desmarest refers to pl. 89 of Sonnerat’s Voyage, vol. ii. for a figure
of his Ecurieul de Gingi, which he quotes as a variety of this species;
on looking into Sonnerat, we do not find any figure at all of this
animal referred to by that author. Plate 89 is a figure of the _Maquis
à Bourres_.
Genus. HYSTRIX. _Linn._
Species 13.—_Hystrix cristata_.
Hystrix cristata. _Linn._ I. 74.