Travels in Africa, Egypt, and Syria, from the Year 1792 To 1798

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1799. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAP. XVIII. DAR-Fti R. On the mode of travelling in Africa--Seasons in Dar-Fur-- Animals--Quadrupeds--Birds--Reptiles and InseSfs--Metals and Minerals--Plants. O N E mode of travelling, with small variations, obtains through all the north of Africa. I mean by caravans (from Karuy to wander from place to place). When the inhabitants have occasion to pass the boundaries of their respective states, they form themselves into a larger or smaller body, united under one head. Their association is produced by considerations of mutual convenience and security, as even the most easy and safest of the roads they are to pass, would yet be difficult and dangerous for a single traveller. Three distinct caravans are employed in bringing slaves, and other commodities, from the interior of Africa to Kahira. One of them comes straight from Murzuk, the capital of Fezzan, another from Sennaar, and the third from Fur. They do not arrive at fixed periods, but after a greater or less interval, according to the success they may have had in procuring slaves, and such other articles as are fitted to the market, the orders of of their respective rulers, and various other accidental circumstances.' ' " The Fezzan caravan is under the best regulations. The merchants from that place employ about fifty days in their passage from Murzuk to Kahira; which city they as often as possible contrive to reach a little before the commencement of Ramadan, that such as find themselves inclined to perform the pilgrimage, may be prepared to accompany the Emir of Misr. The sale of their goods seldom employs them in the city much more than two months; after the expiration of which, those who have no design of visiting Mecca return to their native country. The arrival of this caravan is generally an...